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?

Uncovering Cancer

Cancer targets one in every three people. It has some way or another touched all of us and those around us. Being currently a scientist in cancer research, I attempt to answer 5 burning questions that everyone has about cancer – in as simple, non-scientific terms as possible.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease that originates from our own bodies. The cells of many organs and parts of organs are regenerated on a daily basis, such as skin and intestines. This means that old cells die and new cells, which will be copies of the old ones, are made. There are mechanisms within our cells that initiate, hinder and control the generation and growth of the new cells, as well as the death of old or malfunctioning ones. Our DNA is the building block of cells and every function and feature of our bodies. The DNA code sequence has to be copied from the old cells to the new cells but this copying often comes with errors. Hundreds of these errors occur in each one of us within a day. However, cells have the way of fixing the errors. If not fixed, then a majority of them will not be harmful due to the location in the sequence. If at the wrong place though, an error could cause serious damage affecting the cell mechanisms that exist in the cells. This could result in the continuous and unstoppable generation and growth of cells, eventually leading to a tumour. These cells, even though normal to begin with, will soon be getting stacked and will begin accumulating more errors and developing new properties.

Imagine that you are hosting a party at your flat which can hold up to 100 people. If the security guy at the door falls asleep and fails to do his job properly, more guests will begin entering the flat. You are unable to control them and soon enough, you have 200 instead of a 100 guests. The guests are still normal people but they are packed. There is no space to move. Then the resources become sparse. Some guests begin opening windows to let fresh air in; others are calling for pizza deliveries since they are hungry – the cells in a tumour can actually extend and grow new paths for blood vessels so they can get their oxygen supply. The guests then begin making noise and the neighbours are disturbed. The guests begin breaking valuable stuff in your house. In the same way, a tumour begins pushing against surrounding organs, causing pain and malfunction of the organs. Eventually, a few of the guests might decide to take the party elsewhere; they crash at someone else’s place and start inviting more of their friends. And you got metastasis.

Is cancer a genetic or an environmental disease?

Cancer is affected by both genetics and by harmful environmental factors. If there is a mutation (an error in the DNA) that can be passed on from parent to child, then there are good chances the child will inherit it. It is not always the case but chances are certainly higher. This mutation will effectively lead to the same type of cancer being developed; that is why you hear that women who have first-degree relatives with breast cancer, are at greater risk and should be monitored more closely. They might have accumulated a mutated gene, which would increase their chance of developing breast cancer.

The environment affects greatly as well though, since certain factors, such as exposure to UV light or cigarette smoke or radioactive materials can damage our DNA, which would lead to more errors happening inside our bodies; more than our bodies are prepared for. Sequentially, more errors will escape the “fixing mechanisms”, therefore increasing the chances of one or more of these errors leading to the development of a tumour. However, we are all prone to developing cancer. A person with the perfect lifestyle and no history of cancers in his or her family can still have cancer. Genetics and environment simply increase the chances.

Will there ever be one cure for cancer?

No, personally I do not believe there will ever be one unique cure or prevention measure (eg. a vaccine) for cancer; at least not in the near future. This is because cancer is a complex disease, it consists of a number of “diseases” one could say and it varies according to the person, its location, its stage, its type, its growth rate. Cancer from person to person, from organ to organ, varies in so many ways; it is not like the common flu or diabetes or HIV. That is why the treatment of each cancer patient has to be designed accordingly and is usually a combinational one; i.e. surgery with chemotherapy or radiotherapy or hormonal therapy for example. Quite often, a rumour floats around that the “pill against cancer” has been found and the drug companies are not releasing it. Let me assure you that there is no such thing. First of all, the company that would sell this “pill” would make millions. Second of all, no self-respecting scientist that works in cancer research would get up in the morning to have another frustrating day in the lab if the cure had already been found. Believe it or not, cancer researchers do not just sit around all day, mixing colourful liquids in tubes and recording the number of bubbles produced.

What is the point of cancer research then?

Cancer research is important in developing more efficient prognostic and diagnostic tools and better-targeted treatments. The sooner a tumour is detected, the earlier it can be treated and prevented from developing into something which will have no return or even metastasising. Also, better-targeted treatments means that they will be more effective at dealing and killing the cancer cells but harming as less as possible of the “good” cells still dominating in our bodies and right next to the cancerous ones. Cancer patients often suffer from chemotherapy, since the drugs are causing harmful effects to their normal, good cells as well. Let us go back at the example of the uncontrollable party that is taking place in your flat; the police are doing their best to get all the noisy ones out of the building but picking them one by one, without hurting the “innocent” ones or disturbing your neighbours, is impossible. Some good ones will go down with them. Nuking the whole building is not an option either! Scientists are the police in this scenario, trying to find out how to better identify the cancerous cells, how to isolate and exploit their weaknesses so that only them go down; helping cancer patients to a longer life and a less painful experience.

Have cancer incidences increased in the last years?

This is debated in the scientific community. Cancer has certainly been always around, since DNA and cells have always been around. Cancer was first recorded in 3000 BC in ancient Egypt and was studied in ancient Greece, given also its name at the time (cancer = carcinos in Greek, which means “crab”). Whether incidences have increased though in the last few years or not, it is not clearly defined yet. First of all, life expectancy has risen. Medicine has prolonged our lives and nowadays, a lot of people live to their 80s and 90s. A few centuries ago, 50 would be considered “old”. Therefore, a longer a person lives, the more chances they have of developing cancer. If x incidences of cancer patients above 70 years old were recorded in the last 10 years, a small percentage would have been recorded 3 centuries ago simply because not that many people would have lived to that age. Also, prognosis and diagnosis of cancer have improved tremendously. Not all cancer cases would have been diagnosed and recorded 80-100 years ago, whereas nowadays hardly any go undetected.

Lifestyle is most certainly affecting though. A healthy lifestyle would contribute to prevention of some cancers, to some extent. A person’s psychology is said to greatly contribute to the treatment of cancer as well – like it would with any other disease. Quite often though, we hear that “substance A” has been found to help treat cancer and “substance A” is actually present in pineapples. Do we stuff our faces with pineapples though and rest assured that we will never develop cancer? No, the answer is not as simple as that. Other questions need to be raised, such as “in what form does that substance exist in pineapple?” and “does the pineapple have any harmful effects?” Bottom line I would say: Everything in moderation. Including the seemingly good things.

The Cyprus Tudors

I recently found myself in Cyprus, my homeland, and besides the heat and mosquitoes, I found one more thing bothering me the most: people’s attitude. As I was watching the TV series The Tudors, I couldn’t help but draw some similarities between England of the 15^th and 16^th centuries and Cyprus of the 21^st century.

1.     It is a male-dominated society – sort of. The colours are a lot greyer in Cyprus but even in The Tudors you could see that men’s decisions were easily manipulated by their lust for women. Yet males still hold more power in some matters, especially when it comes to issues of sex and cheating. If a man sleeps around, he is nothing more than a man – and he needs to be congratulated. If a woman sleeps around, she is a harlot.

2.      Every girl is believed to be a virgin when she gets married.

3.      Sex is far more important than anything else. The country is at chaos, the economy is in shambles, but everyone’s primary concern is “who are we going to f*ck tonight?”.

4.      Every family in Cyprus is royal. Or tries to be. Every man is a president of something, every wife thinks she is the Queen and should be treated so by everyone around her and everyone’s kids are spoiled like little princes and princesses. Everyone’s concern (apart from sex of course) is “whose ass are we going to kiss today?” and how to acquire or elevate their position. Thanks to the small size of the country, the six-degree separation becomes two-degrees and most jobs, favours and privileges are handed out according to whom you know and not what you know.

5.   Friendships are mainly formed according to the social status and acceptance. God forbid you are to be seen hanging around with a person of lower status than you.

6.    Everyone is polite to your face. And secretly sharpening the knife they will backstab you with the minute you are no longer of use to them. People greet you with a smile, call you “my friend”, hug and kiss you, yet can’t wait to spread some juicy malicious gossip about you the minute you disappear out the door. They will use you when need you and forget all about you afterwards.

7.     Homosexual people get married – not with each other but with heterosexual partners. And then cheat on them with their best friends while they are supposedly out having drinks.

8.    King Henry was a greedy, arrogant, bipolar, spoiled brat. The same can be said about the president of Cyprus. King Henry made laws to suit his own needs. The president of Cyprus also puts himself above the law, clearing himself of any responsibilities for anything gone wrong during his reign over the island, such as the confiscated weapons explosion which caused the lives of 13 young people and brought the country’s economy to its knees.

9.     The church has a prominent role. And it is not the role it should have. The church is involved in politics, in scandals and in covering them up, instead of doing their part to lead the people into a pure and virtuous life. Texts are interpreted the way people want them to and in a way that satisfies their own needs. As for the average Christians of Cyprus nowadays, they are more concerned about wearing an expensive suit during the Christmas ceremony than helping a homeless person who might be dying of hunger at the same time they proclaim their love for the newborn Jesus.

10. There are enemies lurking all around the country, yet civil wars are more fun it seems. To expand on this would take years but I should hope so the message is pretty clear and straight-forward.

Cheating - a deadly sin

If you are a cheater and you are reading this, then imagine that every word of this entry is a spit in your eye (no, it doesn’t matter which eye!). I consider cheating one of the worst flaws of humanity and possibly one of the worst things you can do to another human being – especially one you love. Of course things like murder, abuse and rape are considerably more damaging both physically and psychologically but the mentality of the assailant comes into question in those cases. When it comes to cheating, it is simply hurtful. It is one of the most selfish acts a human can do and whatever pathetic argument is popping into your cheating minds right now, I am prepared for an answer.

“It does not mean anything. I still love my partner”. Right, how about you tell your partner about it then? Are you going to hurt them, you say? Well, damn right! How would you feel if you caught your wife on her knees licking on another man’s genitals? Or if you walked in on your boyfriend pinning another girl down? Am I too graphic? Not as graphic as the indecent acts you have been performing against a person you supposedly love more than anything or anyone else. Here’s an idea: Next time you decide to cheat on your girl/guy, just pause for a moment and think about her/him. Think about what you are doing to them. Think that you are disappointing them but also your own self.

“My partner knows about it and they are fine”. True. We do encounter the so-called “open relationships” nowadays. A lot of couples might introduce a third (or fourth or fifth) person in their relationship, claiming that it “spices” up their love life and strengthens their relationship. Fine, I say. If you are open about it and you agree with your partner, please go ahead. Enjoy! If it is, however, one-sided, because you believe that is “healthy for your relationship", but your partner “would not understand”, then please refer to the paragraph above. Besides, wouldn’t you prefer to find a more suitable partner that would agree with you on such a matter?

“It is harmless fun”. Harmless fun with an STD on the side perhaps. Or an unwanted pregnancy. Condoms are only 99% safe. So on every 100^th time you have sex, you can imagine contracting a disease. Oral sex can transfer diseases too by the way, in case you were unaware. Or imagine a little baby being conceived inside you, if you are a woman. Good luck explaining to your husband the baby is not his. Oh wait, you are not going to tell him, are you? You are going to let him think the baby is his, correct? How about if I came over and swapped your baby with another and told you, “this is your own, raise this one”. Will you be cool with it?

“It’s in our nature”. I swear to Lucifer and all the other gods ever worshipped on this planet, if I hear one more person say that, I will slap them! What fucking nature? Is it in our genes? Have you managed to identify the “cheater” gene? Please, share the results with the rest of the world if you have! First of all, not everyone is a cheater. Yes, believe it or not, I know people who have been in long-term relationships, some even in long-distance relationships, and they have been more than faithful. Sure, temptation is always there. Sure, you see a hot person walk down the street and acknowledge the fact that they are hot. Perhaps you momentarily even fantasize about getting it on with them. Actually going ahead with it, is not in your nature though! It’s a choice. So face up to your choices and to their consequences. If you truly believe it is in “your nature” and you cannot be monogamous but would like to fool around, then stay single and fool around. It’s quite easy actually. Oh, but I know. You would still like someone waiting for you at home, ‘cause you are too scared of being lonely, right? Then fucking grow up and learn what “commitment” is all about!

“It was an accident”. An accident if bumping onto someone. Or falling of your bike. Or tripping over the carpet. Shoving an erect penis into a vagina (or mouth, or ass) is not an accident! Follow-up excuses such as “I was drunk, I did not know what I was doing” will not work either. If you drink that much, then you will probably end up vomiting or passing out. Getting an erection at that stage and having sex, is actually quite difficult if you are off your face. Unless you are actually semi-drunk and are using the alcohol as a pathetic excuse for your own incompetency at staying faithful or controlling your lusty desires.

“My relationship was bad anyway”. Then fucking end it! I must say that this is the only excuse I would be able to tolerate as a third person (never if I was the one being cheated on), as it clearly highlights the grey nature of human beings and their weakness at confronting situations or people that are going wrong in their lives. In some twisted, masochistic manner, we choose to fuck up things completely to ensure an end to an undesirable situation, rather than face up to our responsibilities and do the right thing. However, think how much less painful it would have been for both of you, had you cleared the situation from the beginning and let both your partner and yourself move on with your lives separately.

I could go on all night perhaps with the number of excuses one could use to justify such a selfish act. Bottom line is though, that you are simply a selfish, arrogant whore (term may be used for both sexes). Going back to the “nature” argument, it is in our nature to be actually like that. Whether you fight it though or not, proves if you are mature enough and a better person. Violence is in our nature – that is more than certain. And we have all thought of hitting someone at some point in our lives. Maybe even killing someone – if I may say. Most of us hold back though, because there are social constrains and laws against it. If there was a law against “cheating”, I am sure the incidences would drop dramatically. There are no laws though. And there are no major consequences. If they get caught, most cheaters will either walk away or try to make their partner “understand” instead of admitting to the error - both to their partner and within themselves. But as long as the wife/husband is blissfully unaware, then who cares?

And here’s my closing remark: As a third person, I would never be able to fully trust someone who is a cheater (especially repeatedly), whether as a friend or a colleague. Cause if they are doing that to the one person they supposedly “love” more than anyone else, then I cannot imagine what sort of backstabbers they can be to everyone else around them. Their cheating simply proves they cannot and will not ever put anyone else above themselves and their own selfish desires. 

Euro-NoVision

Every now and then, comes a day that a lot of people will be commenting about: Christmas, elections, April’s Fool, the latest Spielberg movie release, World Cup Final, prince William’s wedding. And then, of course, the Eurovision Song Contest. The week leading to the grand final of this amazing event (please do not excuse my sarcasm) is highlighted with video-clips, comments, “good lucks”, anxiety and ridicules of “rival” countries’ songs posted all over facebook walls. On the night of the grand final of this amazing event, it is advised to avoid facebook at all costs, to prevent vomit spillage all over your computer.

So this circus that calls itself “Eurovision Song Contest” is anything else but what the title suggests. Let’s begin with the word “song”. Bad-written melodies and lyrics, mediocre singers, ridiculous outfits and dance moves, all compose songs which will be forgotten by tomorrow – or in a few weeks’ time maximum. At least, I have some appreciation for songs performed in the country’s native language, with traces of traditional music in the tune. As the years progress though, most of the songs sound more and more similar to each other – or more and more ridiculous than their precedes.

Which brings us to the word “Eurovision” and I will only say this thing: On the verge of the Euro collapsing, the whole European and Global economies going to shambles, people losing their jobs and incomes or even unable to find one to begin with, how can these countries – with debts rising faster than Berlusconi’s phallus in front of a naked chick – afford to host, organise and participate in this ridiculous contest?

Ah, contest. Here is the last of the three magical words. This contest is so much guided and manipulated by political scenarios and fake-patriotic bravados, that whatever the true, pure purpose of this competition was, it is now lost forever. Its essence is gone and there is no one able to retrieve it. And every year, the whole story is repeated, with people cheering or booing the same countries, investing their time and emotions in a cause that is no longer a celebration of music but a theatrical parody of our world’s true colours.

Many Happy Returns

Yesterday was my birthday - according to my parents and my birth certificate. And though I appreciate the numerous wishes I received – some probably well-intended, others fake – I dare admit what everyone else seems to blissfully ignore during their birthday: that there is nothing special about this day and that it simply reminds us that we are growing older and steadily pacing closer towards our inevitable death.

I struggle to comprehend the fascination and excitement that others share towards their birthday or birthdays in general. To me, it was just another day. I do not need an excuse to go out and party if I want to. And vice versa: if I don’t feel like celebrating, but would rather have a quiet night in, I should not “have to” do something just because it’s my birthday, or because it’s New Year’s Eve, or because it’s one of those devised “special” days. If people are genuinely happy to have been born and would like to celebrate the fact they survived another year onto this earth, then good for them. Some of us may have a different view on things though.

To me, it is a reminder of all the things I have not achieved yet, of all the goals I did not fulfill during the last year and that the end is getting nigh. It is a reminder that the older you get, the less flexible you become (both in body and in spirit), the less motivated you become and the less chances and stamina you have to try new things. It is echoing of the less risks and gambles you should take, of the more responsibilities you have and of the time that is ticking away.

Even more painful and disheartening are the wishes themselves. Though very much appreciated, some of them simply serve to make you more depressed than you already are. The simplest ones are the best: “Happy birthday” and a couple of “xx”. Straight-forward, to the point, they simply indicate that the person wishing you has taken those 10 seconds out of their time to do so and time is the most precious thing you can offer someone. I like the genuine ones too – and you can tell which ones these are. Some messages will be long but you can tell the difference between those bullshitting you and those who have genuinely taken the time to think about you and compose something nice, funny or original to say. If a person is treating you one way during the rest of 364 days but is super-friendly during your birthday, then they can shove their politeness up where the sun never shines.

And then of course are the wishes of relatives: May all your dreams come true, hope you become successful in all you do, prosper in your career, find a nice girl, get married and have lots of wonderful, perfect kids. No pressure there, right? Not only are you reminding me that I am getting older but you are also reminding me of the fact that I should hurry and make sure I accomplish all of the things you listed, since my life has been a total failure and disappointment so far! And whose “dreams” will be coming true anyway? Have you wondered if I will be happy or if I am happy or do you just take it for granted that changing nappies full of shit is everyone’s dream in life? (This mostly goes out to Mediterranean families who are convinced that they are living the ideal lives, who are too glued onto their kids, thinking they are the centre of the world, believing that their children are perfect and indestructible, and urging their offspring to follow exactly the same path, so that 30 years from now it will be their turn to apply the same pressure to their children, without a single person pausing at any given moment in life to simply dare attempt to view life from a different perspective and perhaps even succeed in enjoying it – if at all possible).

In reality, what are birthdays though but nature’s own ticking time bomb? Birthdays bring us one more step, one more minute, month, year closer to our deaths. Most people are scared by the idea of death. They are frightened of the unknown, of the end, of even hell perhaps (more about death in another blog post). Death does not frighten me though. Sure I am concerned about the way I would die (would not wish to be buried alive for example). I am concerned about the pain and agony I might suffer beforehand, about the things I will regret doing or not doing, saying or not saying and of situations and emotions left without closure. However, I see death as the sweet release. I truly believe that the only free man is a dead man. What does scare me is old age. Failure. Enslavement to this life. And my next birthday. If I’m lucky enough, everything will end in 21^st December 2012 (more about the end of the world in another blog post). But whilst the Apocalypse might be something I look forward to, my next birthday is definitely something I do not.

Football

What is it about football that gets men behaving in their most primal instincts? I personally don’t see what the big fuss is all about. And there is definitely not a “football gene” incorporated into the Y chromosome. Ok, I understand that some people will find it entertaining. Relaxing. Fun. Yet, football, its athletes and its fans, seem to fail dramatically at either having fun or being relaxed about it. And by the way, before I proceed any further to attempt a psychoanalysis on the sport, let me clarify I am referring to “football” as most of the world realises it (hence not American football – though I’m sure the analysis could be easily applied to that as well).

So, first of all, why does a large percentage of the male population get all excited about a sport? If they are participating themselves, I can understand the need for healthy competition (though not always), the need for exercise and for male-bonding. But if someone is simply watching, what do they really get out of it? They get entertainment let’s say, same way someone else is entertained by a movie, a comedy, a concert or a strip show. Yet, I don’t remember the last time people lost their sleep or appetite because Barney did not score in How I Met Your Mother, or got caught into a fight because the villain of a movie got away with murder. Some people tend to get emotional in movies but I’m sure it does not reach the fanatically rage levels that a football fan hits when his favourite team loses a game. So where is the fun part in that?

Let’s go for the male-bonding reason then. Football is a good excuse to catch up with “the lads”, have a beer or two and strengthen your friendship over a Sunday game. Then, keep drinking either because you are celebrating a football victory or mourning a game loss, spent the next 5 hours over-analysing every move of each player and the referee (always in a dramatic and non-objective way), get into a fight and crack someone’s head open – possibly yours. I say: FAIL for the male bonding and the entertainment. If anything, it seems to divide people.

Perhaps we need a closer inspection of the sport itself: 22 young, fit, athletic guys, running around in shorts and sweaty t-shirts. Maybe that is why your girlfriend is a bit pissed off with you: you’d rather give 22 male strangers more attention than her. And her insecurities of course grow! Hey, if you are into that and it turns you on watching them, good for you, please keep watching (do inform your girlfriend though so that she doesn’t freeze to death waiting in her new sexy lingerie in the bedroom). Seriously now though, if you want to appear all butch and tough, watch an episode of “Spartacus”, visit your local strip club or do some sports yourself – don’t scream like a 15-year old praising people like Rooney, as if he is a god on this earth. He can just kick a ball. Is he better than you? Is he a better doctor, lawyer, mechanic, teacher, waiter, salesman, policeman, accountant, musician, janitor, pilot, chef than you? Is he a better husband or a man than you? No. He – and every other footballer – is but a man himself. So why does he deserve your praise or why does he deserve the ridiculous sums of money they are getting paid?

Which brings me to all the loyalty that men have to their own “selected” football club. It is usually passed on from a father-figure since an early stage and most men across the world ensure that their children will also be dressed up from a young age in the colours of their favourite football team. What’s the deal with that? If you have been following football for years and decide to choose one team to support because of their history in successes or because you enjoy the way they play, fair enough. Don’t get all wound up about it if no-one shares the same opinion as you and don’t get your kids all that crazy about it either – it’s just a game. We are not up against the dark forces of Voldemort. The players keep moving from one team to another anyway! Ronaldo will be your best buddy one day and the most hated person on the earth the following week. How immature is that?

And finally, what is with associating football to politics and patriotism? This is very evident in Cyprus; a small community, where unfortunately everyone and everything is closely associated to something else. If you support team A, then you are left-wing, if you support team B, then you are right-wing, if you support team C then you are clueless about politics and in general, and so on. And politics do to football what politics do best: they suck the fun factor out of it. As for the “big games” and the momentary satisfaction it appears to give the whole nation if their country team beats the team of a country they are (or used to be) at war (or generally just dislike): No, it does not prove you are better people. No, it does not offer any justice, or restore freedom and equal rights. No, you are not a patriot just because you watched the football match and you cheered when the opponents cried at their loss.

Coming to a conclusion though, living in a world where everything fake is praised and over-rated (boobs, tans, anorexic models, cheating millionaires, drug-addict singers, aggressive actors) why should football be any different? Football, as most things nowadays, has been exploited and deteriorated. Instead of uniting people who are true football fans worldwide, it divides and distant us. It offers fake pleasures and no-one benefits from it except the clubs, their owners and the footballers, who have risen to consider themselves and be considered by others as demi-gods, next to the likes of Angelina Jolie and Charlie Sheen. They are nothing but people, with a little bit (perhaps) of talent. Then again, most of us have at least a talent. If only we could put as much faith and fanaticism to ourselves and those we (should) truly love, as we put in those 22 young, fit, athletic guys in shorts and sweaty t-shirts

PS. To all female football-fans who might consider my blog "sexist" as it is directed mostly to men, let's be honest: You are missing the point.