• Nietzsche's Philosophical Zoo: The Paradox of the Animal Metaphor
    Jun 21 2025

    Nietzsche used animals to critique human values, but did he fall into his own trap? His philosophical zoo reveals a paradox: in his quest for a higher man, he couldn't let the spider be a spider. Why must animals serve our ideals instead of simply being themselves?

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    14 mins
  • HiR Fine Dining: An Intimate Berlin Culinary Journey
    Jun 19 2025

    HiR Fine Dining, a highly acclaimed restaurant founded by Chef Mercedes Noam Kostucki and her wife Stayce, from Costa Rica to Berlin.

    Key points include:

    • Relocation to Berlin: The move was prompted by "malicious attacks" in Costa Rica, leading to a new chapter for the restaurant in Germany.
    • Exceptional Reputation: Despite its unconventional, intimate "chef-at-home" concept, hir Fine Dining boasts outstanding customer satisfaction. TripAdvisor data shows its percentage of "Excellent" reviews surpasses that of several 3-Michelin-star restaurants in Germany, Spain, and the USA.
    • Vision for the Future: The team is actively fundraising and has a clear vision for growth in Berlin, building on their previous success.
    • Unique Concept: The experience is described as intimate and personal, centered around the culinary approach of Chef Mercy.

    In essence, the documents portray HiR Fine Dining as a resilient and celebrated culinary project with a proven record of excellence, now moving to a new international stage in Berlin.

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    12 mins
  • Battle at the Binary Stars: Identity, Ethics, and Meaning
    Jun 19 2025

    Mercedes Kostucki uses Star Trek: Discovery's "Battle at the Binary Stars" to explore inner worlds. Burnham's journey reveals insights on identity, ethics, reverse culture shock, communication barriers, self-worth, systems thinking, and finding purpose through service. A dialogue with the self.

    Join the Transcendence Community, a daily support group for personal and professional growth: https://www.planksip.org/join-the-transcendence-community/

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    12 mins
  • Watching Discovery and Discovering Myself: A First-Person Commentary on "The Vulcan Hello"
    Apr 21 2025

    Forget plot summaries. This commentary dissects Star Trek: Discovery's "The Vulcan Hello" as a catalyst for self-discovery. Kostucki explores how reactions to Klingons, character names, and even impatience with intros reveal deeper truths about judgment, communication styles (like Sarek's "Vulcan Hello"), inner conflicts, and the power of self-awareness. Using pop culture as a mirror, the article connects sci-fi to psychology, philosophy, and personal growth, inviting readers to examine their own responses.

    Join the Transcendence Community, a daily support group for personal and professional growth: https://www.planksip.org/join-the-transcendence-community/

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    11 mins
  • Normal Is a Moving Target: Redefining Difference in a Fractured World
    Apr 21 2025

    Normal is just the majority on a small map. Redraw the map, and you redefine the world. From a bullied Jewish kid in Belgium to a trans entrepreneur in Costa Rica, Mercedes Kostucki learned that 'normal' is a moving target—and difference, when embraced, becomes a compass for belonging, healing, and reinvention.

    Join the Transcendence Community, a daily support group for personal and professional growth: https://www.planksip.org/join-the-transcendence-community/

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    12 mins
  • Digital Sabotage: Resilience and Rebuilding After Online Attacks
    Apr 14 2025

    This conversation explores the chronicles of Mercedes Kostucki's experience of facing a series of disruptive online events, including hate mail, social media bans, a LinkedIn hack, and a drop in TripAdvisor ranking for her restaurant.

    Initially dismissed as glitches, these incidents increasingly suggest a targeted attack, causing significant emotional and financial distress. Kostucki reflects on the paranoia and uncertainty of determining the cause and the struggle to maintain resilience.

    Despite the setback, she outlines a three-step process for navigating crises involving emotional processing, channeling emotions, and strategic action, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and growth. Ultimately, she shares her journey as a coach, offering her services and seeking support to rebuild her life and business.

    Join the Transcendence Community, a daily support group for personal and professional growth: https://www.planksip.org/join-the-transcendence-community/

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    11 mins