Next Generation Sequencing

I currently work on Next Generation Sequencing and thought I would share a report I wrote recently concerning NGS, its purpose (mostly in cancer research) and some of the ethical issues surrounding it that have been raised in the recent years. For more general questions regarding cancer and how it evolves, check one of my older posts: Uncovering Cancer.

Next-generation sequencing is one of the most recent and exciting technological advances that are gradually transforming the way both research laboratories and clinics work. Medicine is taking a leap forward by unlocking the secrets carried in our DNA, in order to provide a better understanding of our bodies and the diseases attacking it. However, as with all leaps in technology and medicine, care needs to be taken with socio-economic and ethical issues that arise, so as to ensure that the benefits outweigh any risks and dangers.

DNA carries all the genetic information required for the development and function of each and every organism. Genetic information is encoded as a sequence of molecules and any biological sample (e.g. blood) can provide the genetic material necessary for full genome sequencing. Sequencing is the laboratory process by which an organism’s complete DNA sequence can be unravelled and determined. This DNA sequence is unique for every person and its decoding is used in a broad range of applications, including forensics, disease screening and cancer research.

The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, whose goal was to determine the sequence of human DNA and identify all the genes encoded, involved 3000 scientists and 13 years of work, at a cost of about $3 billion. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is the latest advance in DNA sequencing and is advancing rapidly, producing remarkable data that range from the sequencing of the 5,000-year old Iceman found in the Alps to clinically available disease-targeted tests, including (but not limited to) Alzheimer’s disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathies and cancer.

Cancer is a disease that arises and progresses due to genetic variations in the human body. Mutations in the DNA, i.e. changes in its sequence, can lead to uncontrollable growth of tumour cells. NGS is helping sequence genomes of patients faster and more accurately than ever, leading to earlier prognosis and diagnosis, but also to better-targeted treatments. Cancer is thought to be more than one disease, depending on a cancer’s location in the body, its stage and the mutations it has accumulated. Current treatments are limited due to our incomplete understanding of what drives cancer and due to the shortage of effective drugs available. By sequencing the DNA, the genes that hold the key to cancer development can be unmasked.

Besides earlier diagnosis, NGS can be beneficial in monitoring the development of resistance to drugs and lead to personalised medicine that better suits each cancer patient. NGS is also vital in identifying key genes that drive certain cancer types, so as to create a “cocktail” of drugs that will specifically kill them.

However, since the emergence of sequencing, certain ethical and socio-economic dilemmas have arisen as well. The protection of patients’ identity holds main priority. Regulations and laws need to be set into motion to protect the identity of participants, whilst patients need to be made aware of the risks of linking data to them. Data is and must be de-identified before any testing takes place. Governments need to consider the possibility of enforced regulation to make it illegal for an unauthorized party to attempt to establish the identity of an individual from publicly accessible de-identified data.

Concerns are often raised about the cost of sequencing. Over the past few years, the cost of NGS has been dropping exponentially, whilst the benefits have been increasing. NGS has made possible to cost-effectively find mutations in hundreds of diseases in children, diagnose highly genetically heterogeneous disorders, such as congenital muscular dystrophies, detect carrier status for rare genetic disorders and identify key genes responsible for driving different types of cancer. Soon, the reduction in cost on all the inefficient treatments and the beneficial results generated by NGS will outweigh the cost of running NGS itself.

One of the greatest obstacles to the advance of NGS is the massive amount of data generated and its interpretation. Questions arise as to how much information should be returned to the patient and at what cost. Providing the whole list of discovered mutations to the participant can possibly lead to unnecessary testing and consequent financial, physical and mental stress. A large percentage of mutations will not have any impact at all on a person during his/her lifetime, yet there are many whose effects still remain undiscovered. Mass Genomics suggest that only results with well-established clinical significance and with a bearing on the participant’s and the family’s health should be returned. Personally, if I had my genome sequenced, I would wish for the entire list to be handed to me. Therefore, it is essential that both prior and post-sequencing, the patient is made aware of these risks and limitations.

Due to the complexity of results generated by NGS and the uncertainty of benefits, it is vital that detailed counselling and informed consent are also primary aspects of the process. The patients and their families should be closely monitored and counselled by a panel of experts, including their doctor and a genetics counsellor. More ethical issues arise though when it comes to underage patients. Screening newborns and children for certain diseases gives rise to new concerns such as the possibility of false positives and the confusion surrounding asymptomatic carriers of a disease, subsequently leading to stigma and discrimination. Similar concerns also arise in patients with mental disorders, yet measures should be taken as with any other medical tests concerning these patients.

Next-generation sequencing is a vital link between laboratory research and the clinic. Certain concerns arise about ethical and socio-economical impacts. The science world is still uncertain as to what NGS may unlock in the next few years. However, NGS is a powerful tool in personalising medicine for the treatment of many diseases and, in particular, cancer. To halt any advances in medical technology would perhaps be unethical, considering the promise that they hold. We need regulations to restrain any abuse using NGS technology and we need trained medical personnel to be able to deal with the data generated and to pass it on to patients in a manner that will only be beneficial to them.

Equal Rights Conundrum

Today we tackle one of the most controversial issues and long-debated taboos of sexuality. My blog is honest, rude and straight-forward and pretty much attacks everyone, so brace yourselves for the storm that is coming – no one is safe!

Allow me to begin this entry with the bottom line (and then progress backwards), which is: Every person is entitled to sleep with whoever and whatever number they wish, as long as is not affecting or hurting other people. To make it even simpler: If a person favours pussy over cock or vice versa, it’s none of your fucking business! And preferring one over the other does not in any way make you any better than others or special. You are still a horny asshole.

First of all, this whole issue of “equal rights” should not even exist. It is illogical to think that some people are less important than others because of their sex, sexuality, religion, race or financial status. Murderers, rapists and child molesters are perhaps of less value, but that is an issue for another blog entry. So, whether heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual, all people are the same. It makes no difference to the rest of the world who you or your neighbour sleeps with. In fact, straight people should be happy about the existence of gay people, since competition drops. And vice versa.

All people, despite of their sexual preferences, are entitled to love, have sex and live with their partner of choice. There should be no law against it. And there should be no law forbidding them from getting married. There should also be no law forbidding them to have children. Yes, things do become a little bit more complicated when it comes to the creation of families and children. It does take a man and a woman, a sperm and an egg, to procreate, whether we like it or not. Fucking someone up the ass or licking a pussy will not lead to children popping out of anyone’s vagina – or colon. But as we all know, there are always other options. These are the same options that exist for heterosexual couples which are infertile for example. Nonetheless, bringing children into this world is not something to be treated lightly. Should gay people not be allowed to adopt? Of course they should have the right to have children. In fact it should be as difficult or as easy for them to have children, like any other heterosexual couple. Laws should exist to protect children (born or unborn) from any harm and prepare and screen potential parents whether they are straight, gay or asexual.

All of the above will not of course happen overnight. Society still has a long way to go. And homosexual parents will still be the minority – whether we like it or not. It doesn’t mean it’s wrong or bad. It just means that children will still ask their two fathers “why don’t I have a mummy?” and the parents, as well as those around them, should be prepared and ready to face these questions with mature and honest answers. Also, society has a longer way to go when it comes to removing labels. Watching “Spartacus”, one of the most legendary shows ever shown on TV and a good reflection of history, I cannot help but notice that terms like “gay”, “straight”, “lesbian” and so on, did not exist. There was the whole issue of social class and status back then, but people were not distinguished on the basis of their sexual appetite. Everyone was a lot more relaxed about it back then and no one cared whether your preferences lay with the male or female sex or both.

Which does bring me however to the other side of the coin: Gay people have rights, like everyone else. But are we perhaps kidding ourselves to some extend? Yes, African-Americans, women, homosexuals, Jews have had bad treatment in the past. Past. We weren’t even born when all the horrible stuff happened. Yes, discrimination from some people still exists. And some groups are still battling to have what others are given for granted. But gay people do not actually make this easier for them. In fact, a lot of gay people want to be, want to feel and to be treated differently than the rest of the world. They try to fit into stereotypes: let’s all worship Madonna, wave rainbow flags and sleep around just because we can. Allow me to elaborate.

Music, film, fashion, food, sports and other tastes should not be a reflection of one’s sexual preferences. The key is to be true to yourself. Of course, I am not saying to stop liking if you like something which seems to fit a “cliché”. However, are some people actually forcing themselves (perhaps subconsciously) to like certain things, to adopt specific mannerisms or hang out in certain places with certain people, only because they feel like they want to “fit in”? Humans always have insecurities when it comes to finding their identity, so I cannot help but notice that a lot of gay people seek to distinguish themselves from straight people. Yet when a straight person makes a slight comment (even as a joke) that might be interpreted as a discriminating one, then everyone throws a tantrum. A bit hypocritical if you ask me.

Also, gay people are not helping themselves by discriminating against straight people. A female friend of mine was recently forbidden entrance to a gay club, since she was straight (and according to the bouncer/detective she realised that due to the handbag the girl was holding). Too many things are wrong with this scenario and I cannot help but wonder that if the tables were reversed, i.e. if the lesbian bouncer was not allowed entrance to a straight club, all hell would break lose involving the media, government and protests all around the world. “Supporting” responses of the nature “straight people are getting a taste of their own medicine” and “straight people would just ruin the atmosphere in the club” are null, childish, immature, narrow-minded and push people back to the same discriminating habits. For that girl to have been there that night, means she enjoys the club, its ambience, its cocktails and its music, and that she is actually comfortable with having gay (or straight) people around her. Do gay people really want to be pushing away even the ones that are on “their side” (not that any sides should exist)?

This brings me to the flashy lifestyle of a lot of gay people and the way they allow their sexual preferences to dominate their lives. If you are in doubt of what I mean by “flashy”, all you have to do is watch a gay parade. As I have said to a friend once, is it really a protest for acquiring equal rights or is it an excuse for people to be drinking in the streets, dancing semi-naked and making out with each other? A lot of people are probably gasping at what I’m saying, thinking that I am a homophobe and that I am being politically incorrect in not supporting what a lot of gay people do. Don’t get me wrong; anyone (whether gay or straight) can sleep with whoever they want and whatever number of people they wish to – as long as they are not hurting themselves or others in the process. And I will keep saying it. However, there are many ways that gay people can raise awareness about gender and sexuality equalities. I fail to understand how rubbing against each other and get sweaty in gay clubs only (where straight people are clearly not allowed entrance) helps their cause.

I always use as a strong example one of the funniest and most brilliant actors of our time: Neil Patrick Harris. Neil is homosexual, he lives with his chosen life-partner and their two kids. Neil is an activist when it comes to raising awareness and equal rights for gay people. He talks about it, but it is not the only thing he can talk about. I follow him on twitter and the man has his own character and likes, beyond the “guess how many cocks I sucked this week?” He is an actor, a father, a partner, a food-lover, a friend, a comedian, a film-lover; the list is endless. And I like him and respect him for who he really is, despite his sexuality. It makes no difference to anyone.

Are we, however, reaching an age where society (in some aspects) gives more “rights” to some (those that are minority or marginalised) than others? Is society trying too hard to compensate for the lack of “equal rights” in some areas, by becoming too tolerant in some other aspects? If a straight man sleeps around, then he is a player and an arrogant chauvinistic pig who treats women like objects. If a straight woman sleeps around, then she is a slut and has no self-respect for allowing her body to be used like that. When gay people sleep around though, they are who they are, we should respect that, not judge them and let them be. True story; think about it.

In addition, I have heard of a few occasions where a gay person has been rude or bad at their job, and when someone confronted them their response was “are you talking to me this way because I’m gay?” (And we all know the HR loves dramas like that!). No, you moron, you are a stupid asshole, that’s why I’m talking to you like that! When was the last time you heard someone say “Did you say that cause I’m straight?” Yes, there are people who attack others because of their sexuality but bringing it up in an unrelated topic means you either have insecurities or you are a pathetic weasel who uses their sexuality as a defence for your incompetency at other issues.

Last year, I came across this horrendous website designed by a group of gay friends who were uploading pictures of “hot” guys around London, along with a description of where they were spotted in the underground and a rating. They were also encouraging people to send in their own pictures of random “hot” strangers, which would be uploaded on the website if the creators deemed worthy, so that people could then proceed on the usual voting “for” or “against”. Am I one of the few to find this website a little bit alarming? If it was designed by straight men who were taking pictures and rating women, feministic groups would tear it apart within hours. They would call the creators and those participating misogynistic pigs, losers who can’t score women, pathetic, creepy, assholes who need to get a life. They would claim that it objectifies women, whereas it is borderline stalking. And I couldn’t agree more! Why is this not the case now? Because women say “it’s about time men got a taste of their own medicine” and gay people say “it’s all a bit of harmless fun” and everyone who doesn’t like it can suck it up cause there are no laws against it! I’m sorry but all this neither sound fair nor part of “equal rights” to me.

Our society still has a long way to go to grow up. Perhaps we should return in a sense to ancient times and get rid of some taboos and concerns surrounding genders and sexuality. Unfortunately, thanks to nature, gay people have to struggle in some aspects. It’s a fact that gay people cannot pro-create. We may have science advances now and choices such as adoption, but these are only recently-developed opportunities. It is a fact that all people should have equal rights. We need to be careful however in over-compensating for the current lack of equal rights, since we are giving some people certain power and strengths that we would deny others.

Cyprus' Eleven

The new president of Cyprus has been elected today and dare I say the majority of Cypriots still continue to live each to their own dreamworld. Much debate and controversy have preceded these presidential elections, which consisted of 11 candidates. A country as powerful as the US had only 2 candidates, yet a small island of a population of under a million had 11 noble, headstrong and brave politicians, willing to take on the history and past of the island, as well as its presently unstable financial and political situation, all the way to a brighter future. Or it just proves what an arrogant nation we truly are. Probably the latter.

Watching political debates on TV was as painful as watching Glee. Even though the candidates were not making attempts at singing and dancing (ok, maybe one of them did actually), the inflicting psychological pain of embarrassment and frustration on to their viewers was still the same. The reporters would ask candidate A how he/she would proceed to resolve an ongoing national problem B. The candidate would proceed to answer the question by elaborately accusing his/her opponent, candidate C, of how his/her political party in the past were wrong in making a certain decision about problem D, without actually answering the reporter’s question. And this was the tactic followed by everyone, because the truth is, no-one knows shit. None of them know what they are doing or what they want to do or what is going to happen. The best manoeuvre is to prove their opponents are worthless, lying, dishonest, irresponsible assholes, and thus you should vote for him/her instead because they are not as bad.

And the public of course get frustrated by all these childish tantrums and two-faced backstabbings, yet the majority are as bad as the politicians they are voting for. Let’s face it, these politicians have started off as human beings themselves, as members of the public, as the next common voter, before evolving into two-faced beasts that feed off the country’s assets and people. These politicians have become like that and continue to be like that, because the society allows them to be so. Of course, when presented with 11 worthless candidates, you are forced to vote for the least incapable (instead of the most capable) but these beasts will not change, unless the voters change.

First of all, enough is enough with the political parties and what they supposedly represent. Everyone needs to take a hard look at their party and at themselves and ask what it is they truly stand for. The majority have no clue. They are either guided by the fanaticism/guilt/rage that their parents and grandparents are carrying or are misguided and naive or are actually so deeply lost in their own scheming lies and arrogant attitude that do not even know anymore what they stand for. A 20-year old carrying out a political debate with his/her “friends” on facebook, whilst they are all completely clueless about history, politics or common sense, does not mean he/she is a responsible adult who cares about his/her country’s future. It’s just sad. And the worse ingredient of all, is narrow-mindness.  Refusing to acknowledge the good or bad qualities of a politician because of their party’s political views is as stupid as supporting a football team because the right wing has to support the “blue” one and the left wing the “red” one. Oh hang on...

Second of all, society shares its blame in the things the politicians are accused of. Cronyism for example (boy, was that word hard to find in English, whereas everyone knows it in Greek!), is as common in Cyprus as the word “malakas”. Getting a job in Cyprus is not about your qualifications and experience; it’s about fitting the criteria required for a position – criteria which are of course listed according to what the chosen person for the position already has. In order to get yourself hired in Cyprus, especially in governmental positions, you will have to know someone in “power” or know someone who knows someone who is the hairdresser of the wife of someone in “power” or be a loyal sheep to a political party since the age of 5, thus when favoured political party rises in power, your fortunes rise with it as well. And the voters accuse the politicians of favouring their own political party members or their friends and relatives, but the truth is that these relatives, friends, associates, hairdressers of the wives are the voters themselves. It is the people that give this sort of power to politicians. It is the people, it is society as a collective who corrupts the politicians and forces them into a “survival of the fittest” battle. They must keep the voters pleased or else they will lose their votes. I’m not saying the politicians are saints; they are of course the ones to blame the most for ditching their morals so easily. But the voters share a great deal of responsibility as well, and unless they change their mentality, things will not change in Cyprus.

Finally, it is the delusion that things would be or will be so much different if candidate A is elected president instead of candidate B. Of course some will create more shit than others. When it comes to problems though such as the financial situation in Cyprus (again, the government is mostly to blame but the people share a great deal of responsibility too for being irresponsible with their money), there is only one way out really. A small country like Cyprus, belonging to the family of 27 European counties, split in half thanks to its own people and the Turkish invaders, with dominant countries like Germany breathing down its neck, will not have many options really, will it?

Cypriots need to change their attitude and be more responsible and vigilant where they can be, and less arrogant and confident when they shouldn’t. Cypriots are over-confident when it comes to the elections (11 candidates, seriously?) and when it comes to following a political party leader like blinded sheep, without questioning the true motives of the politicians or thinking that because their elected leader wears a green tie instead of a purple one, he/she will also assume the superpowers of the Hulk and crash everyone else who opposes them. However, Cypriots need to learn that they have more power in other matters, especially via unity and collaboration. The island has suffered so many invasions throughout the centuries, yet if it is one thing that history is teaching us is that if we put our minds together we can become a powerful nation. If we want change, we will have to start from the little things that surround us, we will have to start from our own homes and progress into influencing our work environment, our political parties and politicians, our government and eventually, collectively begin influencing the fate of the whole country.

The Power of Love

I’m going to keep this short and sweet, mainly because there isn’t much one can say but also because I don’t want emotions to get lost in words.

A few months ago, I was a witness to a tragic accident which left a husband and a son searching for answers concerning the loss of their most beloved female figure in their lives. On better news, I have learned that the second victim of the accident is doing better and she is constantly recovering.

A few days ago, I came across the blog of the widower and after reading it, I feel both the urge to never write again and to never stop writing. As confusing as that may sound, allow me to explain the logic. I never want to write again, as I feel incapable of producing anything as real, true, honest, passionate, inspiring and emotional as this man’s writing. Though I never met him and his family, due to that unfortunate event which happened close to me geographically, it feels close to me spiritually and emotionally as well. The way this man writes and feels is captivating and I feel his every word as if it were my own, only better and truer.

On the other hand, when I think of what this man has been through, when I think of what a great man he is, what a gentle fighter he is, it reminds me of the true meaning of life. He reminds me of what it means to never give up, to accept grief as part of this rollercoaster we call “life” and to feel with all our heart and all our essence.

It is no secret to everyone that I am not one of the most positive of people. As my last blog entry indicates, the only hope I saw for humanity was if it was destroyed on December 21^st 2012. It was only two days ago that I was reminded of one of the things I grew up believing in: “Trust no one”. What Fox Mulder (a true role-model to me) was constantly saying in the “X-Files” takes life and breathes almost every other week, when I get surrounded by people who bring nothing but betrayal, deceit, hate, negativity.

However, I read Ben’s blog, and through his grief, I see more clearly than ever that some humans are not all bad. I see hope, passion, honesty and love. I see an undying love, a true love that I have never seen before, nor did I think it possible to exist. What this man shares (notice: present) with his wife and the fruit of their love, their son, is unimaginably strong and anyone who experiences the same is lucky, blessed and is truly enjoying life to the best it has to offer.

I beg you all: Make an attempt to live and love. You might not find “the One” but you can still care for those around you; family, friends, colleagues or those who simply need a little bit of love. Do not use people as objects, just because you need someone next to you at night. If you don’t truly love someone, I ask you please: set yourself and set them free. And find someone or something you love and hold on to that. Whether it’s a person or a hobby, do it; for your own sake.

I cannot fully express how much this stranger has made me feel; more perhaps than people I have known for years. I wish there was a way to offer him something in return but I know I can’t. All I feel obliged to do is quickly pass on the light of his torch, so that others will hopefully see what I see.

Happy New... Whatever

Here we are in 2013 and the world is still here. According to the “Mayan Prophecy” the world, as we know it, would end on 21^st December 2012. It hasn't though, which has led to lots of confused believers of the prophecy and much more boasting from those that refused to believe it. Personally, I found it disappointing.

Though it would be a one-in-a-lifetime experience to see meteors crushing mankind or the poles being reversed and causing extreme weather phenomena and the shift of the tectonic plates, like in the film “2012”, I am disappointed not that the world was not destroyed but rather that it has not changed. Part of me hoped that “the end of the world as we know it” would lead to some important changes in humanity, hopefully towards the best. But that was just a fool’s hope.

We live in a society where having the latest iPhone is more important than feeding the homeless person who lives round the corner. We live in a society where claiming equal rights means suppressing the rights of others and thus a vicious circle begins, with fingers being pointed in all directions, instead of owning up to our mistakes. We live in a world where models, footballers, (bad) singers and (even worse) actors are glorified and worshipped, not because of their talents, but because of their looks, their money, their fame. Loyalty, love and respect are being flushed down the toilet, since it’s more important to sleep around and score as many lovers as possible. People have no respect towards others’ beliefs or opinions; what matters is that they belittle others enforcing their own views, so they can feel better about themselves.

Our world is filled with hatred and prejudice and people are greedy, egocentrical, megalomaniacs. So I may be characterised as “grumpy”, “miserable” and “cynical” but it’s only because I see the world with its true colours and I see people as they truly are. Foolishly enough, I believed the world as is shaped today could perhaps change towards something better. But as the 21^st December 2012 approached, a big part of me was acknowledging that it would not happen, so perhaps the only way for “salvation” would be if the world was completely destroyed.

Then came Christmas and everyone was so busy sending meaningless wishes to each other, buying expensive gifts to those they like (or pretend to like) and re-enforcing the fact that Christmas is no longer a religious holiday or a period for “love” and “forgiveness”, but a time for over-consumerism to thrive. It’s ironic how blind we all turn during the holidays. We are warned about turning off our desk lamp when we walk away for 2 minutes so we will “save the planet”, yet during Christmas the Oxford Street shops have their lights on for 2 entire months! Throughout the year, we might give to charity or pretend to be experts by analysing the economic crisis and appear to be saddened by unemployment and poverty, yet when Christmas arrives it’s all about wearing Armani suits and carrying LV bags at glamorous Christmas parties and buying  our 5-year olds the latest iPad version cause all their friends have it already!

I decided to do something different this year and dedicate a little of my time and energy into helping others. I volunteered to work at a shelter for homeless people and this experience has been truly unique. I am not mentioning this so I can get any praise or credit for my effort, as it was the least I could do for those that needed my help. It was the least that any one of us could do. I am sharing this experience with you, so you can all learn what I learned. I was so humbled by both the guests at the shelter, as well as the volunteers. Part of me began believing in people again and witnessed what the beginning of a “new world” could be like.

If we are all stripped by our social and financial status, if race, sex, sexuality and religion mean nothing except identifying us, but not marginalising or distinguishing us as less or more superior than others, then we all truly become equal. I saw people of all ages and backgrounds, acting as volunteers, sacrificing their time, their sleep, their comfortable, warm houses and hot home-cooked meals, to help those who needed their help this year. The shelter guests though are the true heroes of the story. People who are struggling to get back on their feet, people estranged from their families, people who have lost houses, money, jobs, yet are still brave and noble enough to face this life. I saw people who have not lost their spirit, their hope or even their sense of humour.

As I was walking around the centre, I came across some hand-made Christmas cards that the guests made and I read the wishes they had written. All of a sudden, Christmas cards were meaningful again. They were wishing (to strangers) to have a “happy Christmas”, to be thankful for their families and homes, to appreciate the things they have in life and to thank God for keeping a roof over their head. So simple, so gentle, so honest. No bitterness there, no spitefulness, no “I hope your house burns down because I don’t have one”. Those few words were reminding us of all the things that we take for granted. And those words prove that we are truly and honestly at our best when we lose everything. The way I see it, the more we have, the more secure we become, then the more “evil” we turn. We become greedy, wanting more. We become selfish and only look after ourselves. We trample over men and gods, fulfilling only our own needs and no-one else’s.

Funnily enough, when we lose all the materials and goods that we allow to define us, that’s when our true character comes out. That’s when we become humble, honest and good. Ironically, at the edge of the cliff, raw survival instincts do not always kick in. Instead we recognise that by holding hands and embracing each other, we can survive or even avoid the fall. The guests in that shelter were truly remarkable and I congratulate them for having what I seem to be losing day by day: hope in humanity. It is a shame that “the world as we know it” did not come to an end. I would have liked to see humanity at its best.

Can You Hear Me - God ?

Tonight we tackle the controversial and long-debated issue of religion. If you are fanatically against or in favour of religion, to the point where you are inelastically narrow-minded and have shut yourself from any ideas or beliefs other than your own precious ones, then I suggest you read another blog that might perhaps boost your ego – ‘cause it’s not going to be this one. Before I attempt to express my own view on the matter, I would like to do a small analysis on the three bodies of this issue: Church, Religion and God. Like the Holy Trinity, they perhaps seem inseparable but looks can be very deceiving.

Let’s begin with Religion. There are probably as many religions as nations out there and since the dawn of time religion has been an important aspect of society, often losing its true value and being misused by humans. Religious fanaticism has always existed. People and nations have battled each other for the dominance of one religion. Cain kills his own brother Abel for the love of their God and many humans and races followed his example afterwards. Greeks killed in the name of Ares and Vikings in the name of Odin. The Christian Crusades lasted for years, while Islamic acts of terrorism can occur in the name of the one true God. However, if we look closely at the origins of religions, we will discover that their purpose is pure. Religions evolve as a means for humans to explain what they don’t understand: the sun and love in ancient times, life and death (something which has always been a mystery) or miracles and sightings. Religions also serve as codes of behaviour and the expected consequences of misbehaviour. “Thou shalt not kill” and “thou shalt not steal” do not sound that horrible to me! As for “thou shalt not commit adultery”, you can refer to my respective blog entry. Law and order (aside from language and logic – though the latter is debatable) is what often distinguish us from animals. A set of rules that guide us to a virtuous life and a society in harmony are not ridiculous or unnecessary.

Whether we follow a particular religion or not, whether we even believe in one god, many gods or none, I think we can all learn from what religion is trying to teach us. Like all things, religions evolve and change. Forcing them either towards extinction or dominance is not the way. Religion has just been misused in the hands of humans. It has been abused, like all objects and ideas. A knife in the hands of a doctor can save lives; in the hands of a murderer, a knife will take away lives. Religions may seem to divide and separate, but is it not simply used as another excuse to do so? People who want to be different will always find a reason to be different: race, skin colour, nation, language, looks, sex, sexuality, profession, social status. Wars will always happen. Let’s admit it: wars happen for dominance and economic reasons. Call your reasoning “religion” or “Helen”, it doesn’t matter. I have friends who are religious and I have some who are not. I have friends and have met people from different backgrounds, with different beliefs. And it all comes down to this: a good person is a good person, despite of which box they tick under “religious views” on an HR form.

Which brings me to the church, because the church is not god and is not religion; it is humans. Each church/religion has its own set of “rules”: eat this, don’t eat that, no sex before marriage (if you contracted an STD recently I bet that doesn’t sound like such a bad idea!), fast so many days, pray so many times, donate so much money, wear this, sit like that – the list is endless. We all need to understand and accept that most of this set of rules came from humans. They might have been prophets, saints, holy people, church leaders but they are still humans (or aliens according to some). They are not gods. If someone chooses to follow a religion and a church, then let them be. It is their life. However, if you don’t agree with certain things that the church is trying to impose on you about things that have to do with your everyday life, then do what your heart tells you to do but do not let it turn you away from your god or your religion. It is more important helping others, rather than having cabbage for lunch, so weigh your priorities.

The church (including both the leaders and the mass) supposedly serves to represent god and religion. However, we all know this is not always the case. Some church leaders have been of course virtuous and close to perfect. Some church members are devoted and do their best to be good people. A big number of people though use religion to their advantage, whether for power or money or because they might be insane. Followers are manipulated, texts are altered, the truth is distorted and as a consequence people are drawn away from religion. It is understandable but again we need to remember that it is not the cloth that makes a descent priest, just like it is not a scrub that makes a good surgeon. As for the church followers, if they are fanatical, extremists, misguided, misinformed or just plain stupid, it is not their religion’s or their god’s fault.

Which finally brings us to God a.k.a. Allah, Jehovah, Vishnu, Zeus, Shangdi, Theos, Jesus, Tenri-O-no-Mikoto – the list is indeed endless. And by this point readers are probably wondering what my view on God is. Well, let me tell you this, whether there is a flying spaghetti monster in the skies or not, I do not know, I do not lose sleep over it and most definitely I cannot change it. I can neither prove nor disprove that God exists. I see however the need of a divine presence in the lives of humans. We need something to look up to, to urge us to become better people or to help us understand why certain things happen. Each human believer in God has their own reason for doing so and we all have an obligation to respect that. If it is a bunch of crap and a waste of time and energy, like fanatic atheists will claim, then why is it your concern? Why do you waste time and energy in non-believing something? Why do you make every discussion (whether it originates from films, football, politics, science or food) come back to disproving the existence of God?

Sure, if He (or She) does exist, I have a lot of questions that need answering, such as: Why is there so much suffering in the world? Why do bad things happen to good people? What the fuck happens to us when we die? Why do you not just show up yourself and get it over with? And why does chocolate have to taste so good, yet contain so many calories? But spending half of my day in trying to ridicule religious people is just sad and pathetic. If you overcome the fact that God does not exist, then surely you need to make the most of your life and this is how you choose to spend your time? As for the everlasting debate of science and religion, just a quick note: One does not mutually exclude the other – fact! Simply because we are able to explain how the universe is created, does not mean that someone did not put that matter and anti-matter there in the first place. If the particles have been there forever and there was no beginning in time, then that is as fucking mind-blowing and incomprehensible as God himself!

Bottom line in all of the above: Choose your own belief or fluctuate between a few if you want. Do not be radical about it though. Learn to be open-minded, respect other people’s choices and let them find their own path the same way you are struggling to find yours. And if you are still unconvinced and screaming at your screen as you read this blog that god is crap, that people are stupid for believing in one and that such thing does not exist, then I dare you to this: Find a mourning mother who has just lost her child. Life has no meaning for her and the only thing keeping her sane is that her child is in the hands of god and that there is an afterlife. Walk up to her face and tell her that she is a fucking idiot for believing that. And if you still unmoved then do this: Look yourself in the mirror and convince yourself of it. Personally, I am struggling and I want to believe that there is someone/something out there that is bigger and more divine than this, ‘cause every step I take towards not believing in it, the more miserable I become in accepting that this around us is all there is after all.

Nothing Important Happened Today

I haven’t written in my blog for a while, not because I didn't want to but because I couldn't find the right time. A lot of things have happened in the past 3 months, which I would not say were “life-changing” but most certainly did occupy most of my time and mind. Experiences which have not necessarily always ended in a climax but which have made the transition of this time more interesting. Friends getting married, trips to old and new places, being introduced to new people, catching up with old friends and family, near-to life-changing attempts and decisions, meeting semi-famous and famous people, being beamed up in a Star Trek transporter, surviving a zombie apocalypse and a couple of minor health problems, just to name a few. Perhaps the most important of all though was witnessing a tragic car crash which occurred last night at my neighbourhood.

The circumstances of the accident are still uncertain but it seems that the driver lost control of the car somehow, drove off on the pavement and hit two pedestrians before crashing onto a wall. The scene was like something taken out of a movie. The emotions were all over the place. One of the two women died on site, whilst the other one is hospitalised in a critical condition. The driver survived the crush but I cannot imagine the pain he is going through, having to live with this event haunting him for the rest of his life. In a matter of a few seconds, the lives of three people and those of their families and friends have been altered forever. What sort of twisted unfortunate series of events placed those two women in the path of that car? One minute they are walking down the street, heading for a night out or a night in, thinking about the meal they are going to prepare or the drink they just had, rushing to meet someone loved or simply going home to feed their pet, but fate had different plans for them. Even the slightest attempt to understand, comprehend, explain this tragic loss of life is futile.

What perhaps perplexed me the most was the inability of most of us, the eyewitnesses, to act or help in any way. The car door was jammed; it took the firemen almost an hour to get the driver out. One woman was dead and the other injured; the paramedics were doing their best. But what was done, was done. I felt as useless as a cross screwdriver used to tight a slot screw. No-one could take that crash away. No-one could make time stop or turn it back. No-one could give life back. And no-one will ever be able to ease the pain of the dead woman’s loved ones. She is gone, off to a world which can only be better than this one. The tragedy remains with those left behind.

So where does this leave us? Do I close this entry with a god-send remark about how my life will never be the same or something along the lines of “carpe diem”? Do I tell you to pick up the phone and call all of your family members and friends, patch things up with those you are upset and hug random strangers in the street? Do I make a life-altering decision, make a 180-degree turn and stun everyone with my amazing new lifestyle and abilities? No, none of that will happen. Besides the wrecked wall, shattered glass, some blood stains and a few flowers, nothing is left to mirror the events that unfolded last night. The bright sun reminded nothing of the dark, cold and gloomy last night. All the police and ambulance cars are gone, the witnesses walked back inside their houses and the police officers, firemen and paramedics moved on to another scene. People say that “shit happens” and we have to accept it. But can we?