Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

As we navigate the transitions of our 50s and 60s, our relationship with nutrition undergoes a fundamental shift. The metabolic engine that once hummed with effortless efficiency begins to require a more refined grade of fuel. Digestion can become a more temperamental companion, muscle mass requires more intentional maintenance, and the cardiovascular system demands a…

My sister raised me after our mom passed away. She was twenty, barely more than a kid herself, and I was thirteen—angry, scared, and convinced the world had already taken everything from me. I remember the day Mom died more clearly than any exam I ever took. The hospital smelled like antiseptic and cold floors.…

The announcement sent shockwaves across the country. Authorities in Arizona have publicly identified a suspect in connection with the alleged kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, transforming what had already been a deeply unsettling disappearance into an even more intense and closely watched investigation. What began as a quiet evening in a residential neighborhood quickly unraveled…

Marinara and spaghetti sauce are often spoken about as if they are the same thing. Grocery store labels blur the difference, restaurant menus simplify the names, and home cooks freely substitute one for the other. Yet these sauces were never meant to be interchangeable. Understanding how they differ reveals more than a cooking detail—it shows…

As people age, it’s common to notice small changes such as mild forgetfulness or slower movement. However, sudden confusion, trouble speaking, loss of balance, or numbness can signal something far more serious than normal aging. These warning signs may point to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a mini-stroke. A TIA occurs…

Xiao Liang, a 25-year-old programmer from China, began experiencing drooling while sleeping, which embarrassed him. After seeking medical advice, a CT scan revealed early signs of cerebral blood vessel blockage, preventing the risk of a stroke. Drooling is involuntary, controlled by the autonomic nervous system. It can result from mouth breathing, stress, fatigue, or sleeping…

Clara lingered at the refrigerator, fingers on the cold handle, staring at a bowl of perfectly arranged eggs. They looked too deliberate, too orderly. In her childhood home, food safety meant strict rules and constant caution. Anything old felt wrong. In her mother-in-law Ruth’s kitchen, those rules seemed quietly rewritten. No warnings, no explanations—just calm…

I used to be known as “the fat girlfriend.” Not dramatically—just quietly. The girl people paused before naming, the one relatives warned about at holidays, the one strangers felt entitled to advise. I learned early to make myself easy to keep around. If I couldn’t be the prettiest, I’d be the most useful—funny, dependable, high-effort…

Sleeping on your left side offers several surprising health benefits, influencing digestion, circulation, and even sleep quality. One of the most recognized advantages is its effect on acid reflux. When you lie on your left side, the stomach rests below the esophagus, reducing the chance of stomach acid flowing upward and causing heartburn. For people…

Long before modern plumbing, families relied on hidden cisterns built into and beneath their homes. These silent reservoirs collected rain or spring water, providing essential resources for drinking, cooking, and bathing during droughts and dry seasons. Skilled masons carved chambers beneath floors or behind walls, carefully channeling water into them. Every detail was deliberate, ensuring…