Shiny Rocks Spot

2025-08-12T09:51:00.001+09:30

Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: A Science-Based Alternative to Fluoride

For decades, fluoride has dominated dental care conversations. But critical thinkers are increasingly examining hydroxyapatite—a naturally occurring mineral that comprises 97% of tooth enamel.

The Science Behind Hydroxyapatite

Unlike fluoride, which works by converting enamel to fluorapatite, hydroxyapatite directly replenishes the mineral structure teeth naturally lose through daily acid exposure. Japanese researchers pioneered its use in the 1970s, demonstrating comparable remineralization effects to fluoride without systemic absorption concerns.

Why Consider the Switch?

Hydroxyapatite offers remineralization benefits while being biocompatible and safe if swallowed—particularly relevant for families with young children. Studies show it effectively reduces tooth sensitivity and supports enamel repair through biomimetic processes.

"The evidence suggests hydroxyapatite provides a compelling alternative for those seeking effective dental care without fluoride supplementation."

Bottom line: While more long-term research continues, current evidence supports hydroxyapatite as a scientifically sound choice for critical consumers evaluating their oral care options.

Echoes of the Stoic: The Hero's Journey in Quotes

2025-08-09T21:08:00.001+09:30

The Stoic Hero’s Journey: Key Insights & Quotes

View this artwork on Pinterest →

▶ Watch the video: Echoes of The Stoic

or open on YouTube →

1. Key Themes (5–7 Recurring Ideas)

Inner Wealth & Contentment – True richness comes from self-sufficiency and not craving unnecessary things.
Mindfulness & Presence – Real peace arises from focusing on the now and directing attention to what matters.
Simplicity & Minimalism – Reducing complexity allows clarity, brilliance, and focus.
Self-Knowledge & Inner Strength – Everything we seek externally already exists within us.
Wisdom Through Experience – Real understanding often comes from hardship and learning through living.
Resilience & Adaptability – Facing life’s challenges with flexibility rather than force.
Purposeful Action – Knowledge must be applied; deliberate action transforms ideas into reality.

2. 15 Most Impactful Quotes (Author Included)

“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, who is poor.” – Seneca
“The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.” – Keanu Reeves
“Simplicity is the key to brilliance.” – Bruce Lee
“The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.” – Rumi
“The highest activity a human being can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free.” – Baruch Spinoza
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.” – Søren Kierkegaard
“Knowledge without action is madness, and action without knowledge is foolishness.” – Al-Ghazali
“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it.” – Bruce Lee
“Your focus determines your reality.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi
“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus
“Man conquers the world by conquering himself.” – Zeno of Citium
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality.” – Seneca

3. Core Message Summary

Echoes of the Stoic: The Hero’s Journey in Quotes reframes classical Stoic philosophy through the universal storytelling structure of the Hero’s Journey. Beginning with the “Ordinary World”, the reader is immersed in lessons on simplicity, contentment, and the awareness of the present moment. The opening stages invite the seeker to question material cravings, embrace attention to the here and now, and find strength in what already lies within.

As the journey unfolds, the familiar obstacles of doubt, fear, and external distraction are met with guiding principles from great thinkers, ancient sages, and even modern voices. Themes of resilience and adaptability carry the hero through trials — learning to surf life’s waves, accepting mortality, and acting with mindful purpose. These principles transform challenges into stepping stones on the path toward virtue.

Ultimately, the book’s philosophy is that the Stoic hero is not one who conquers the world through force but through inner mastery, clarity, and service to others. The Hero’s Journey becomes a mirror for personal growth: each step challenges us to combine wisdom with deliberate action, aligning our lives with reason, virtue, and lasting peace.

Tallow Balm. Forget the Fancy, get the FAT.

2024-02-03T19:35:00.025+10:30

Tallow Balm. Forget the Fancy, get the FAT.

Listen up , fellas. Skincare for blokes isn't that hard and doesn't need a list of ingredients that are impossible to pronounce, nevermind if they're actually ok to use over long periods of time. But what I want to tell you is here is a balm is Australian made, only contains real ingredients and is an all-in-powerhouse. This is "Ol' MATE", the Men's All-purpose Tallow Extract.

Forget the fancy, get the fat. That's right, the secret weapon in Ol' MATE is grass-fed tallow, nature's beef derived moisturizer. Tallow mimics your skin's natural oils, sinking in deep without leaving you greasy and no clogged pores, just happy, hydrated skin that can withstand the harshest Aussie conditions.

But wait, there's more! We didn't stop at tallow, lads. We threw in some heavyweight contenders to make Ol' MATE a champion-worthy elixir:

Cocoa butter: Think of it as your skin's personal armor, shielding it from the sun's fiery wrath.
Shea butter: Will soften scars and smooth out complexion.
Olive oil: This Mediterranean legend adds a touch of luxury plus its Vitamin E content gives your skin a fighting chance against wrinkles and other time-traveling trojans.
Jojoba oil: Nature's mimic strikes again, this time fooling your skin into thinking it's producing its own oil, so smooth and so glossy. Oh what a feelin!
Almond oil: Packed with Vitamin A, this gentle giant helps even out your skin tone.
Rosehip oil: Forget smelling like a bouquet, this oil is nature's secret weapon against scars and fine lines. Think of it as a time-turner for your face, minus the dodgy side effects.

So, ditch the girly lotions and secretly digging into the missus' stash. Take responsibility into your own hands and embrace the elixir that's made for men who appreciate the finer things: natural ingredients, a good citrus and beefy scent, and the satisfaction of knowing your skin is being well looked after.

And don't forget, use code "OLMATE10" for 10% off your first jar of Ol' MATE. Because even tough guys deserve a discount.

Intermittent fasting

2023-01-21T14:55:00.003+10:30

Intermittent fasting is a powerful tool for weight loss and overall health. The 16/8 method, in which you fast for 16 hours and eat during an 8-hour window, is one of the most popular and effective forms of intermittent fasting. This method can help you lose weight, improve your metabolism, increase your energy levels, and even boost your mental clarity.

I personally can attest to the benefits of intermittent fasting. After years of struggling with weight gain, poor mood, and chronic inflammation, I decided to give intermittent fasting a try. By combining the 16/8 method with a healthy diet, regular exercise, meditation, and consistent sleep, I was able to lose 35kg in just 9 months.

One of the biggest benefits of intermittent fasting is its impact on weight loss. By limiting your eating window to 8 hours, you are effectively reducing your overall calorie intake. This leads to weight loss as your body is forced to burn stored fat for energy. Additionally, when you fast for 16 hours, your body enters a state of ketosis, where it begins to burn fat for fuel rather than carbohydrates. This is why intermittent fasting is so effective for weight loss.

Intermittent fasting also has a positive impact on your metabolism. When you eat, your body releases insulin, which is responsible for storing fat. By reducing your insulin levels through fasting, you are effectively boosting your metabolism. This not only helps you lose weight, but also improves your overall health.

In addition to its impact on weight loss and metabolism, intermittent fasting also has a positive impact on your energy levels. When you fast, your body is forced to burn stored fat for energy, which leads to a sustained energy boost throughout the day. Additionally, by reducing your overall calorie intake, you are effectively reducing the amount of energy your body needs to digest food. This means that you will have more energy to devote to other activities.

Another benefit of intermittent fasting is its impact on mental clarity. When you fast, your body is forced to burn stored fat for energy, which leads to a sustained energy boost throughout the day. Additionally, by reducing your overall calorie intake, you are effectively reducing the amount of energy your body needs to digest food. This means that you will have more energy to devote to other activities.

Intermittent fasting also has a positive impact on your mood. By reducing your insulin levels through fasting, you are effectively reducing inflammation in your body. This leads to a reduction in symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, by reducing your overall calorie intake, you are effectively reducing the amount of energy your body needs to digest food. This means that you will have more energy to devote to other activities.

In addition to intermittent fasting, I also made some other lifestyle changes that greatly contributed to my weight loss and overall health. For example, I eliminated PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and highly processed foods from my diet, and started eating more naturally and organically. I also made sure to exercise regularly, and to meditate and get consistent sleep. All these changes together helped me to improve my mood, reduce my inflammation, increase my energy levels and overall improve my health.

In conclusion, the benefits of intermittent fasting are numerous and well-documented. By combining the 16/8 method with a healthy diet, regular exercise, meditation, and consistent sleep, you can lose weight, improve your metabolism, increase your energy levels, and even boost your mental clarity. If you're looking for a powerful tool to improve your health and wellbeing, give intermittent fasting a try!

2019-07-13T11:45:00.004+09:30

Focus Stacking with GIMP© & Jewelry photos.

Equipment: Cannon© 700D DSLR with 60mm macro lens. Led strip lighting 2500k & light box.

Step 1. Preparation:

Camera is in manual mode with Aperture set around F13 and ISO 200 / 400 but you don't really want to go much higher than that. From there you can have a bit of tolerance with brightness control by adjusting shutter speed.

Set white balance and I can't stress this part enough. A little trip down to the hardware store and getting a few of the sample color cards from the paint department is a nice way to get the right balance for your pictures, I chose a few neutral whites to greys and experiment with these until I find the right one for the job.

Step 2. Taking the photos

I like to start with the part of the item that is in closest range to the lens and work back. The camera software allows for fine focus adjustments made on the PC as once the camera and item are positioned you want them to remain fixed until finished.

After the first picture, depending on your requirements, adjust the focus gradually back by small increments and taking a picture for each one. Usually I'll take anywhere from 6 to 10 pictures for an item and then once finished will run a batch process to convert them all to JPG files. You can probably skip this in advance if your camera is set to save in that format as you take the photos.

Step 3. Opening in GIMP

Open all at once under the menu File>Open as layers (CTRL+ALT+O). It helps if when the pictures are taken in order and named appropriately so that they appear in layers list in workable order.

Add layer of transparency to each picture by right clicking on the file name in layers list and select 'Add alpha channel' for each picture. You'll know when this is done as the file names are in bold before and un-bolded text when alpha channel is added.

De-select the eye icon in layer list for all but the first two. Whichever is the higher in the list of the two selected images will be the one appearing on the screen, below that is the layer which contains an area in focus that you want to appear as part of the composite. By selecting the eraser tool in menu you can delete the sections of the above layer to reveal the in focus area below.

Toggle between the two images by turning the visibility on & off to see where further adjustments are needed. Also, experiment with the opacity and brush size to get a smooth transition between the two layers.

Once you're happy select the above layer and right click and choose merge down. The two layers become one and now you can make visible the next layer above and repeat the process. Each time merging the above layer down to finally make a single composite image with all areas now in focus. And that's it.

Happy days. :)

520 day or I love you day

2017-05-20T15:52:00.014+09:30

520 or I love you day

May 20th which in Chinese is known as 520 day, these numbers are pronounced Wu 五 Er 二 Ling 零. It is used to confess love since it has a similar sound to "I love you" or Wo 我 ai 爱 ni 你.

In the language of mathematics "I love you" can be written as " ρ=a(1-sinθ) ". This polar equation when graphed will give the curve shown below called a Cardioid. Aptly named since it derives from the Greek word καρδία (cardia) which translates to "heart".

(Graph source)

"The name cardioid was first used by de Castillon in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society in 1741. Its arc length was found by la Hire in 1708. There are exactly three parallel tangents to the cardioid with any given gradient. Also, the tangents at the ends of any chord through the cusp point are at right angles The length of any chord through the cusp point is ." Weisstein, Eric W. "Cardioid." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource.

Just how many times has discussion of this eloquent mathematical expression resulted in me being swarmed by pretty girls and lured into sessions of passionate love making?...

I'll answer with another mathematical expression..

image sources: (1) (2)