Suppose, Contend, Differentiate

to post

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 06:36:00 +0000

Turnaround

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:06:00 +0000

One may lament the closing of some bookstores nationwide., specifically, the closure of big chains such as Barnes and Noble and Borders. The lament may come from the sympathy that may feel for the employees: surely they will lose their jobs. Although a study say that there is a noticeable rise in reading in America- based on e-books purchases through Amazon Kindle and other brands, the difficulty of losing is a job is very disheartening. One can infer that most bookstore employees are introverted and socially awkward. They might consider their work as a fortress, and now such fortress is being corrupted by economic failure, weak sales and steep rent prices. One could hope that they could find a fortress not in the form of unemployment benefits.

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Richard Arum, author of Academically Adrift, posits how college students are not learning from colleges in America. As the Huffingtonpost reports:"The research of more than 2,300 undergraduates found 45 percent of students show no significant improvement in the key measures of critical thinking, complex reasoning and writing by the end of their sophomore years."
One might say:"Oh how the mighty have fallen." The US before was King of everything, and now, the US lagging behind its Asian counterparts. Others might say that the cause of this is the dumbing down of Americans. Nevertheless, the US is not the best anymore.

McVictimization Begins

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 06:56:00 +0000

McVictimization Begins

The McVictim Syndrome may pertain to the finger-pointing tendencies people do to feel good about themselves. It seems to provide people solace that factors beyond their control are causing their misfortune. One of the classic examples is the obesity epidemic the Americans are going through. David Grazer who coined the term in an article he wrote for the LA Times cites that as long as Americans think that their obesity is someone else's fault, therefore, it is someone else's problems to solve.

One can imagine how childish the coping mechanisms of most Americans. The fact that they rely on false pretenses, and to displaced the blame to other causes seems to be pathetic.

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Ana Jordan, a PhD psychologist from Stanford University, led a study
that facebooking makes people sadder. The premise of this study stems from the notion that facebook users overestimate others people's happiness. Slate.com goes in depth in this study.

In one of the Stanford studies, Jordan and his fellow researchers asked 80 freshmen to report whether they or their peers had recently experienced various negative and positive emotional events. Time and again, the subjects underestimated how many negative experiences (“had a distressing fight," "felt sad because they missed people") their peers were having. They also overestimated how much fun (“going out with friends,” “attending parties") these same peers were having.

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Planned obsolescence pertains to the mechanism of products that are designed to fail. This does not pertain to the normal wear and tear of the product. Planned obsolescence appears to provide a death-date for the product, sometimes in a span of 12-18 months, in order for the company to welcome and sell the new product easily. One of the many examples is the selling of the first generation Iphone. Within the span of 12 to 18 months, there goes the much bolder, much hipper and much cooler Iphone 2nd generation. Apparently, the main purpose is for profits to soar once companies unveiled a new product. Sharon Beder, a visiting professorial fellow at the University of Wollongong, wrote in 1998: "Is planned obsolescence socially responsible?", one can infer that planned obsolescence negates social responsibility.

•work cited•
Planned obsolescence: http://www.uow.edu.au/~sharonb/columns/engcol8.html

Slate.com: http://www.slate.com/id/2282620/

Mc Victim Syndrome: http://www.newser.com/story/107139/mcvictim-syndrome-helps-keep-americans-fat.html

A deluge of blessings

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:02:00 +0000

12/23/2010 -California was purged with almost two weeks of rain, but that it seems to have not stopped the consumerist behavior of people. The rain departed last Thursday, but the chilling December cold still linger. As mentioned above, despite these seeming obstacles, consumerism is still king. Parking lots are bombarded with signs: “lot full." One of possible reasons to have offline shopping spree during this holiday season: the notion of markdown prices and sales. What most people do not seem to notice is the markdown prices are only part of a plan: fool the consumers that they are getting deep discounts when on fact they are paying for regular prices.

One may say to let it rain with deep pocketed discounts. Let people buy things they do not need. Let them be consumers for the profits of big time corporations. In the long run, the true core of having an esteemed self is measured by the things you own and possess. Seemingly, this is the trend of what most people, and people like it because it is very superficial and shallow.

12/31/2010- Another year is at its final moments. I love how this year brought awakenings and insights. I love how each occasion spend with family and friends turned into meaningful meanderings and strengthen the very core of each relationships. Mostly, I am very grateful for God's blessings of good health, devoid of illness and malady. I hope He would continue to bless me, my family and friends, and I am sure he would. Have a Happy New Year Everyone!

The Slaughter of 46 million birds

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 19:35:00 +0000

The Slaughter of 46 million birds

So here comes the last Thursday for the month of November. Most people would go into a frenzy of cooking-dom, while most would pursue the generic grocery laden meals. The previous posts in this blog about the arguable “Native American Oppression Day still stands. The writer would not change his position about the lies that most history teachers told the student. Please refer to the James W. Loewen book should bloggers need to read this book.

One of the many aspects that people may look into is to how would the food industry be able to keep up with the demands to the culture of gluttony during this holiday season. Slate.com raises some valid points that what people eat now during the holiday are part of the genetically modified food products. In July 2010, The National, Poplulation Of The United States Of America is 309, 059, 724. One can say that it could be more. So how would the food industry keep up with the food demand?

Nina Shen Rastogi and Michelle Tsai, Slate.com columnists, reports:“Major commercial turkey brands, like Butterball, Hormel, and Cargill, produce two kinds of whole bird: frozen and fresh. Turkeys destined for the freezer are produced year-round—once these birds reach the proper size and weight, they're slaughtered and blast-frozen at minus 30 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point they can be stored all year in preparation for the holiday poultry frenzy.”

It is also interesting to know that Rastoji and Tsai estimates 46 million turkeys in America will be victims of this moveable feast. One can attribute the legalization of the massive and yearly turkey slaughter to Lincoln. By 1863, when Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday (Rastoji and Tsai , 2010), and turkeys took center stage to be the the star on the holiday dinner table.

Owed Ownership

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Ownership seems to be a muffled concept in this country. One may often wonder if people really own the stuff they buy. House ownership seems to be comparable to leasing. Although one may claim a house as a tax deductible, the person may not own a house until 30 years later. Hence, this is one of the many examples.

The housing may have brought upon some redefining of responsibility. Slate V covered a piece regarding homeowners on the brink of foreclosures. The video podcast communicates on how foreclosure candidates are appealing to the government that they need financial aid; since the the government gave economic stimulus to big corporations. One may have said: if they had been an adult enough to responsibly not buy houses they cannot afford, then they would have not been on the housing mess. OH, the lessons of the times, but where is Change

Cerebral Faux Pas

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 03:49:00 +0000

Cerebral Faux Pas

One might say that those people who consider movies as the source of things intellectual and wise ---- are people who are victims of Hollywood propaganda. A Hollywood propaganda may pertain to objects or events aim to elicit profits from unsuspecting consumers. For instance, AMC has special screenings for old movies--- The Exorcist with never before seen footage, director commentaries. The ad emphasizes that it is a very rare event, and leaves the impression that people should not miss it. Who would care about old stuff from the movie studios vault? It seems hard to find time to watch the feature film itself, let alone find time for special features. One could guess that it is fair game when it comes to dubious marketing. All things be damned, in the holy name of profits.
One can say that it is hard to find a diversion--- a catharsis-- a break from the quotidian scenes of daily life.

Sometimes, people are realizing that TV or cinema are the quickest escape. Such scape can become so humdrum. Humdrum that people appears to be mesmerized by the flicker and sounds of the screen, and that would only be their priorities at the end of the day-- humans are slaves to the flickering box.

Mean Merchandise

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 03:29:00 +0000

Mean Merchandise

One can get lost when one would fall sheep to the marketing strategy of companies. For instance, vitaminwater made unwarranted claims. Jed Shlackman reports from “The Examiner” that from the makers of Coca Cola. . The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has filed a lawsuit. The lawsuit stipulates that that Coca Cola has been making false health claims for this bottled beverage. VitaminWater includes about 33 grams of sugar in each bottle. One can consider this as more than the recommended daily allowance for sugar.

The Federal Judge presiding over the case reported that "At oral arguments, defendants (Coca-Cola) suggested that no consumer could reasonably be misled into thinking vitamin water was a healthy beverage. One may may hold this defense as an unreasonable excuse from the company. .

Another example one can notice the proliferation of shower gels for men. Scott Graf reports that last year more American brought more bottled water than traditional bar soaps. Companies would want this, because it is a more lucrative – shower gels and body washes are more expensive even though almost 2/3 of it consist mostly of water.
Because of the brilliant marketing and an appeal to sex and masculinity, people would fall like a tamed sheep to the shepherd of the manipulative marketing ploy. This practice has been going on for a long time, which make it excusable, profitable and lucrative. This writer would not want to preach to a flock of lost sheep who follows and abides to the aforementioned ploy. Arguably, the one using almost 60% of water and 40% of soap are the patrons of body washes

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Richard Louv identified a phenomenon called Nature Deficit Disorder. It refers to the increasing tendency to spend very little time outdoors in the open countryside. The contention is that today's kids do not play and interact with nature in the way that their parents did, instead spending most of their leisure time inside. Richard Louv appeals to the conten that television seems to take and steal viewers time, while nature regenerates the experience with much less distractions and utter simplicity.

Work Cited:

http://www.examiner.com/x-12517-Miami-Holistic-Health-Examiner~y2010m8d9-As-Miami-Heat-star-promotes-CocaColas-VitaminWater-CSPI-sues-to-challenge-false-product-claims

http://www.macmillandictionary.com/buzzword/entries/nature-deficit-disorder.html

Defend the Fan-boys

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Defend the Fan-boys

The sporadic blogger shares the same sentiments towards the notion that Apple Fan boys are similar to Obama supporters, in terms of close-mindedness. For instance, people already know about the Iphone 4 death grip. This term, as coined by the blogger community, pertains to a manner where one would hold the phone (specifically, left-handed people) and it would suddenly drop calls or lose its signal. One can thank the meticulous and solicitous marketing strategy of Apple, unsuspecting consumers already took some bites, and the phone is still a product some people desire.

One could also guess that Obama supporters are also products of meticulous marketing. For instance, during the week when Obama's approval rating hits record low, the mainstream media dabbled on newsworthy topics such as Lindsay Lohan trial and Lebron James team transfer. Such extended coverages to the two topics would indeed bespeak of the people's priority of major issues.

One may say that the two groups of people have similarities, and it seems that they are anastamosed for the right causes. People should give accolades to these to groups. They seem to declare close-mindedness as a “cheval-de-frise” to a cavalry of a more cognizant opinion.

Definition:

cheval-de-frise

▸ noun: defensive structure consisting of a movable obstacle composed of barbed wire or spikes attached to a wooden frame; used to obstruct cavalry

Source: American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

Plunking Priorities

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Most people, specifically women, seem to have bizarre priorities nowadays. They seem to desire things such as cosmetic surgeries, fancy cars, diamonds, purses and any other similar items. It seems that these items define womanhood, and without such items, their lives will be empty. This seems to be the virtue of materialism. One can relatively blame it to shows such as Sex in the City, where, one of the many central themes of this series is to acquire and possess, be it men and/or materials. Arguably, this is how shallow priorities have become. All for the name of feminism.

One may surmise that a scene from Jack & Bobby episode, “A Man of Faith” communicates on how the culture of superficiality can dumb down women.

“I still believe you were unfair to me that day. You judged me superficially. You look at me, and you see an oppressed Muslim woman, forced to cover her head by a misogynistic and backwards culture. That's what you meant; you see me as a victim. I don't think you see my choice in all of this...

You know, there are two girls in my hall who are anorexic, one has breasts implants, and two others are considering surgery either to their body or their face. All of them obsess over their weight and their clothes and their looks. This is what your culture does to women. It suggests ideals they'll never attain, and when they fail to attain them, tells them they're worthless. You talk about my conditioning, but what you don't understand is that I am a feminist, just like you, and this is part of that. This is me saying “no" to all of the ways your culture tries to exploit me. This is me saying “yes" to my religion, and my god, not "no" to being liberated. I am liberated. “

One may have change ideals, but one could hope that it would not be mindless beliefs that are ephemeral and transient.

Celebrity Nurse

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:08:00 +0000

I assume different roles in the Definitive Observation Unit: nurse, counselor, advocate, helper, engineer etc. I spent most days like a protagonist defending patients against forces of Infection, Illness, and Debilitation. The patients can be critical on some days. But today was a Sunday, and the day was probably flowing smoothly. As I was cleaning a patient's ordure, and exquisitely wrapping it in chux (disposable underpads); a patient on the other bed requested: "Can you change the channel to the Oscars?"
I muttered to myself: "It is the time of the year again. It is the time of overpaid movie studios, glitzy celebrities, and the red carpet." Arguably, audiences regard criticisms during the Oscars as undisputed doctrines of fashion. The ridicule for pieces of clothing serves as a national pastime in the US. Do I really have to subject myself to this kind of shallowness?

My contempt towards celebrities may stem from the premise: "I labored and travailed 4 years for college, read over 30,000 pages of nursing books, and this some 20-year old celebrity who scantily read a book, only knows how to mimic lines, gets media attention everyday and earns probably 100 times than my annual salary." In the long run, I should be more stellar than celebrities. I should be the one walking that red carpet, paparazzis taking my snapshots, and interviewers requesting for my sound bytes.

The nursing profession has taught me skills to endure the job of a Hollywood star. I have to smile even if a patient has been calling repeatedly for piddling tasks every 15 minutes. I have to remain calm during code situations, whether it be a code blue, code gray etc. I have to learn the art of eating my lunch while receiving reports, doctors orders, and instructions. I can be interrupted many times, and still have my train of thought intact. Richard Harter opines that nurses can detect the odor of different diarrhea types, and I am able to do as such. Lastly, I can change my perspective on almost anything, no matter how bleak, can seem humorous eventually.I guess these traits are tantamount to patience, professionalism, and optimism.
I contend that these traits: patience, professionalism, and optimism are the characteristics that makes a stellar nurse. Arguably, a celebrity cannot have all three traits. If they do, celebrities would not spend millions on rehab, would not splurge on anti-depressants, and would not need a comeback to seek redemption. I am a nurse and those (patience, professionalism, and optimism) are what makes me stellar.
Nurses are the stellar celebrities of the hospital. In the meantime, I have to dispose the ordure, wash my hands, and tell the other patient in the room: "Sure, let me finish this and I will change the channel for you, " conveyed with a smile. I guess patience, professionalism, and optimism are working in progress.

The Sporadic Blogger Pilot: Redefining Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:03:00 +0000

The Sporadic Blogger Pilot: Redefining Revolution

The sporadic blogger thinks that people need someone to dictate what is good, hip and sexy. Most people would leave this burden to the corporate companies who are raking money from the cottage industry companies may have created. One obvious example is the birth of the Ipad. This is a revolutionary device because it only do one task at a time. It is a revolutionary device because it does not support flash. It is revolutionary because the Ipad is awkward to use when one has to do word processing, spreadsheets, excels and other productivity tasks. It is revolutionary because the task one can do on the Ipad, are easily done and more on a regular PC. It is revolutionary because as Antone Gonsalves, Information Week columnist, communicates that the components and other materials used in building the low-end 16 GB, Wi-Fi-only iPad cost Apple $250.60. Add manufacturing costs, and the device cost $259.60. It is revolutionary because Apple profits 50% on every Ipad sold, and it is revolutionary because Apple made the Ipad.

The sporadic blogger notices that the notion that early adopters of the Ipad are slaves to the great and mighty marketing and spinning techniques of a company with the hidden dubbed motto: "Be evil." This is a very noble notion. As the sporadic blogger communicate on the first paragraph, people would like companies to dictate and proselytize what is good, hip, and sexy. Apple devices are tools for world domination, marketing and deception are its masters. It seems that most companies are adapting to the new revolution that Apple establishes with the Ipad. Few example of the revolution may anti-multitasking, anti-flash support, anti-productivity. This is the new revolution, and it is the Absolute right thing.

The Ipad revolution is one of the many example that most people are slaves to a corporation to whom they consider as an unerring demigod.The sporadic blogger thinks that people submitting themselves to a company is beneficial. After all, thinking for oneself has arguably run out of supply.

Posthumanism

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:32:00 +0000

Posthumanism

One may define posthumanism as a philosophy which views seizing the opportunity to modify and enhance human nature in ways that include the deceleration or arresting of aging, genetic engineering, the bodily introduction of nanotechnology and cybernetics (Post, 2005). The lives of people today would seem to have dependence and interdependence toward technology. For instance, most people can not imagine themselves living today without their smartphones. Another example would include the deceleration of aging. Most beauty conscious people seem to be pre-occupied with which anti-aging creams works best. Ever heard the phrase: “it works best while you sleep?” These simple alterations would begin in basic steps to great leaping action. In this regard, the modified being because of alterations would not be considered human anymore. Simply put, posthumanism would seem to be the belief that humans are not humans anymore because they delve and altered the nature of their being through nanotechnology, computer dependence, and the like.

Some people maybe oblivious that they are supporting posthumanism. For instance, one may say that the “Genius” feature in the Ipod would seem to illustrate the dependence of humans to technology. Before, people depend on a DJ to mix and determine the order of the songs. Now, people would depend on a computer program and algorithm to determine which music they want to be played. Such dependence with the Genius technology can be a support to posthumanism. The very replacement of a disk jockey to a computer software with complex algorithm is one of the manifestations.

One of the many ethical issues posthumanism might raise is the alteration at conception and childbirth. In the future, majority of the people may want their children to have the genes of a genius class topnotcher with the built of a varsity player or a cheerleader. The issue that might arise: to what point it is augmentation, and to what point is it the meddling with nature? One may have a point to correct a gene of a Down syndrome, or the genes that would make a person diabetic in the future. It seems that the science fiction stories of long ago are in the process of their fruition.

Post (2005) asserts that technology is not inherently evil. It is a tool that people should use wisely. One can add that post humanism would seem to bastardize and the identity of the human beings, because, after all the alteration and modifications, arguably, the person is not the person himself, but the new product of the technology and augmentation. Posthumanists can not decelerate aging forever, death and decomposition is inevitable. Up to what point posthumanists would forestall the inevitable?

Work Cited:

Post, S.. (2005). Posthumanism. In Carl Mitcham (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics, Vol. 3(pp. 1458-1462). Detroit: Macmillan Reference USA. Retrieved March 14, 2010, from Gale Virtual Reference Library via Gale:
http://find.galegroup.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/gps/start.do?prodId=IPS&userGroupName=uphoenix

Screenshot from FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/parzer/4165024168/

Happiness is...

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:35:00 +0000

Happiness is...

Some people consider happiness as a chore. Being happy nowadays would seem to require much effort. One may relate this state on unhappiness on Richard Schoch's assertion: "We have come to regard happiness as a sort of consumer product, the ultimate luxury item, and if only we just had enough money, we could go into the happiness store.” The mentality that happiness is a commodity where people can buy it everywhere seems to be very unfortunate. People can rectify this notion, however, this can be a very daunting task. Society bombards people with endless desire for materialism.

One may define hedonism as a the doctrine holding that behavior is motivated by the desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain. People seem to hold on to a virtue that when they acquire material things, such action shall give them pleasure, ergo, happiness. One school of thought would say that hedonistic principle only gives a transient happiness. For instance, when a person buys a new television, such action shall bring him joy and pleasure, thus happiness. However, when the use of the television becomes almost as mechanical, and when a person is not even conscious that the television is new, then the pleasure is lost. It would seem that the item has lost its luster and would like just be any other item.

Seneca states: “The greatest loss of time is delay and expectation, which depend upon the future. We let go the present, which we have in our power, and look forward to that which depends upon chance, and so relinquish a certainty for an uncertainty.” One can say that this can be related the the detached view of Seneca to the world. People do not have control over the what is happening on the world. People may only change their reaction and attitudes towards what has happen. Schoch maintains that “[..] means a little bit of detachment, trying to distance yourself from all those things, and in that detachment and that distance can come a calmness, a reflective period, a moment of meditation. Seneca would call it serenity or tranquility. That, in fact, is another name for happiness."

Epicureans believe that in order to be happy, one should expect less. In return, the happiness expectation is lower. If the expectation is high, and it plans do not turn out to be, then the attempt for happiness may only end up in disappointment and frustration. This may explain why some people In poor countries are happy in simple things. Their expectation is low, because they have suffered greatly, and they seem to have an attitude to appreciate even the smallest favor done to them. In summary, one can glean that happiness is something intrinsic. It is something that requires effort intrinsically. Material things only supplies happiness in a temporary way.

Work Cited:
Richard Schoch: http://www.pri.org/arts-entertainment/books/in-search-of-the-good-life1782.html

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hedonism

From Bedded to Innovative KitKats

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 04:32:00 +0000

From Bedded to Innovative KitKats

Some people seem to want to flaunt virility. According to the Post, Biskind estimates the bedded-by-Beatty women figure at "12,775, give or take, a figure that does not include daytime quickies, drive-bys, casual gropings, stolen kisses and so on.” This seem to be an incredible statistics. One can posit that to boost morale of people under the recession-driven economy, one may grope on someone's elses sleeping behavior.

On a lighter note, the FirstPost in the UK reported that America is out of a recession. It reported that “America has officially emerged from recession, its economy expanding at an annual rate of 3.5 per cent in the three months to the end of September.” However, as of this writing, the unemployment rate as the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts would be 10.1% or above. Surely, one can say that people are on encouraging false hopes and false epicenters of confidence. Negative publicity is negative publicity. Some people in America seem to confuse improvement with stagnancy. They also seem to mistake innovation with idleness.

One could hope that the US would follow Japan's lead in terms of innovation. For instance, an improvement in an old product would be appropriate. In Japan, the flavors of Kit Kat are numerous. There are 22 flavors as of the present. The Japanese considers KitKats as lucky charm. They find the ch chocolate brand itself is akin to the Japanese phrase kitto katsu, which roughly translates to "You will surely win!" As a result, most schoolers would bring KitKat to school as lucky charm for examination and quizzes. Nestle Japan capitalize on this obsession and innovates to improve the product. One could hope that US would do the same thing.

Here is the screen shot of the different flavored KitKats:

Sources:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/the_big_picture/2010/01/how-many-women-did-warren-beatty-really-sleep-with.html

http://www.thefirstpost.co.uk/55381,business,us-out-of-recession-but-its-too-early-to-celebrate

http://www.flickr.com/photos/14399606@N05/2315251961/

Winter Season's solutions?

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 01:26:00 +0000

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Guillain-Barre is a rare disorder of the nervous system. It is usually defined as ascending paralysis of muscles, that would include respiratory muscles which might hinder the patient's basic capacity to breathe. In this situation, this might require the use of a mechanical ventilator. Winter Season is here, and vaccination opponents would seem purvey a causal relationship betweenGuillain-Barre and swine flu. Vaccination proponents argue that it has been 30 more years since America had the Swine Flu Vaccine Fiasco. USA today states: "
The 1976 swine flu program was "overwhelmingly recalled as a 'fiasco,' a 'disaster,' or a 'tragedy,' " wrote Fineberg and co-author Richard Neustadt, the late founder of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

The government signed off on developing a vaccine and using it at the same time, without ever reassessing the need for immunizing against the unpredictable flu virus." Vaccination proponents asserts that the making of the vaccine has already been refined., and the CDC is in a watchful waiting process for any side effects.

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One can say that what seems to be a solution to a problems, would not be the a solution, but would likely cause a burdensome aggravation to the problem. For instance, Newser.com annotated the problems the health reform may cause

$$$: "Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations."
* More $$$: "Penalties of up to 2% of your annual income" if you don't buy insurance.

* Yet more $$$: Coverage mandatory for some who can't afford "$11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums."
* Anti-choice: The bill is "designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade."
* Worse care: Taxes on existing employer plans will decrease benefits.
* No returns: Taxes would start now, but advantages don't materialize until 2014.
* 300%: That's how much more the elderly could be charged.
* Drugs: Big Pharma gets a handout, and you get charged more.
* More drugs: No importation of cheaper alternatives.
* $$$, again: "In 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now."

http://www.newser.com/story/76646/10-ways-senate-health-reform-hurts-you.html

Problems, and problem and problems. One can say that 100 years ago from now, people may be minding problems that do not deserve to be given too much attention.
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One can say that the month of December can also be a month for break-ups. Wolstenholmes Solicitors LLP states: "Around 140,000 couples divorce each year in England and Wales. This is the highest divorce rate in Europe. According to recent statistics, the busiest time of the year for people – especially women – to initiate divorce proceedings is straight after Christmas." Others argue that January is the time for a clean slate and a fresh start. Hence, prospective divorcees would seem to proceed with this belief.

Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-05-swine-flu-1976_N.htm

Situation

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Situation
I have been in a situation. A situation where my feelings did acts of betrayal with my thoughts. This is when rationalization and reason seems to be a deviation og all other sorts. When all I want to do is to give in to my feelings. I never should have expected or even assumed. I never should have thought all the could-have-beens and what might-have-beens. But then, like all other acts of betrayal, my feelings expected, assumed, and dreamt. They wandered as if there are hopeless romantics finally experiencing the joys of romance, the lavish exhilaration of summers, and the warm embrace of winter. Nathaniel Hawthorne states: ""Caresses, expressions of one sort or another, are necessary to the life of the affections as leaves are to the life of a tree. If they are wholly restrained, love will die at the roots." How can affection can be necessary if it seemed to be grown out of betrayal?

Scary Swines and Morbid Messengers

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:36:00 +0000

Scary Swines and Morbid Messengers

The swine flu pandemic would seem to be on the rise. Arguably, the 2009 fall season can be one of the worst seasons in the last few years. Moreover, the mass media, especially the local news would seem to tip the panic scale of the people: by sensationalizing reports of the shortage of the vaccine. The script would run: “With the vaccine running on short supply, parents scramble.. the risk are in children and pregnant women...” This type of reporting would seem to work in eliciting fear and mild panic.

October 11, 2009- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, had around 400,000, and accounted for 4735 deaths. The mass media would capitalize on these deaths to paint and exaggerate a morbid reality.

One would say that this type of reporting can be one of the manifestations that Barry Glasner asserts: cultivating the culture of fear in America. Vaccines are important especially for the immuno-compromised and the fragile population: children, pregnant and the elderly. The Mass Media acknowledges that there is shortage in the vaccine, and purposely cultivates fear. Why don't they focus on patient education to reduce the risk of acquiring the flu? They should consult a features documentary on how to prevent the swine flu. Vaccination is one of the MANY methods to prevent transmission. The mass media may like to portray that vaccination is the only viable choice.

Lastly, Edgar Wallace - The Clue of the Twisted Candle (1916), asserts: “Fear is a tyrant and a despot, more terrible than the rack, more potent than the snake." It would seem that the snake caretakers are the morbid messengers of the mass media. One has to realize that vaccination is not the only way to prevent H1N1. I could have mentioned handwashing, eating a healthy diet, supplements for the immune system and the like. The people are not out of options as the major networks would like to portray as such.

Sometimes in September

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Sometimes in September
(blog processed on September 30, 2009-- after the typhoon Ondoy's rampage)
September is notorious for its rainy season. Typhoon Ketsana-- local Filipino name-- Ondoy has its collateral damage. One cannot be sure on the actual periods the victims can recover. During these trying times, one can say that the bayanihan effect has its scientific basis. It is called Mirror Neurons.

Some people argue that mirror neurons and empathy are simple. When one person perceive an action or emotion of another person, a number of neurons that would become active should we ourselves be conducting that action or expressing that feeling begin to fire. Thus, we simulate the actions and emotions of those we observe (serendip.brynmawr.edu-- Mirroring Emotions: The Role of Mirror Neurons in Empathy).

This may explain that when people see television clips of individuals and properties facing danger under the wrath of typhoon Ondoy, a certain part of some people's brains would fire up and would communicate empathy. People watching the telecast may feel sorrow, compassion, pity and the like. In this way, Mirror Neurons may also explain why there is “bayanihan” among Filipinos in the country and abroad.

One may argue that in this time of recession, empathy on people may be running out of stock. It maybe compared to a currency running out of monetary value. However, the very existence of motor neurons may prove that empathy is something intrinsic, organic, and biological. In a way, humans are created to do something benevolent.

Work Cited Links

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/2334

Images from: http://seizedmoments.blogspot.com/

Religion's Return

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Religion's Return

Public Radio International recently showcased the radio documentary "God is Back." One might say that the recent economic downturn would let people introspect and realize that there can be a Divine Providence. Most people may also realize that what matters are not the ephemeral, transient, and the material, but something spiritual, redeeming, and enlightened. This is not to ignore the fact that there are people who do not subscribe to the existence of God. One may contend that the secular subscription to a God is Someone who has Infinite Intelligence, but non-interventional and non-interfering. This can be a God that some skeptics may give reasonable doubt, but not entirely. For the of consistency, one can stick to the 1st Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech [...]" Some would contend that a decline in prosperity would be a time to turn to religion: Be it Allah, God, Eloha, Yahweh, Mohammed. Siddaharta and the like. John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge states on their book "God is Back" : Religion is even ( re-)emerging as a force in the very heartland of secularization. Europe is still a long way behind America: for instance, only one in ten French people say that religion plays an important role in their lives. But nevertheless there are signs that the same forces that are reviving religion in America — the quest for community in an increasingly atomized world, the desire to counterbalance choice with a sense of moral certainty [...]" One may posit that although religion skeptics seemed to refute religion, one may not deny that religion is an aspect of most people's lives.
*******
The month of August 2009 may have lost one of the hallmarks of democracy in Asia. The demise of Corazon Aquino seemed to have caused the weeping of millions of Filipinos. Cory may have been the epitome of a motherly love, to her children and to the nation. In the 1980s, she is one of the key characters who trampled the tyranny of martial law under the Marcos Administration. The People Power Revolution appeared to have taught the nation that revolt can happen in a peaceful manner. She became the first woman president in Asia. In a time when religion seems to be returning, one can say goodbye to Cory Aquino by remembering her words: "Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.”

Dreams and Needs

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Dreams and Needs

Some may have moments of utter desperation. When someone is in need of a problem's solution, and the solution is as elusive as the current volatile global market, one may resolve into unexpecred circumstances. There maybe some things that one may lament. For instance, the current economy shed 467,000 jobs this June. This resulted to unemployment rise to 9.5% (Associated Press). This seems to be a disappointing scenario.

This writer recently obtained a house. This writer does not want to delve with this is the fulfillment of the “American Dream.” One must not engage in the propagandistic and commercialistic deeds of greedy realtors and investors. The hasty pursuit of this dream is what put the nation, and the world even, in this long term economic mess. Three years ago, some even called owning a home as “the American dream on steroids.” As it turns out, one may say that this type of dream seems to be corruptible.

This writer obtained a home because of needs. As Abraham Maslow contends, obtaining a house is a safety need. It is in the second level of the pyramid, and such may deem the matter necessary. Moreover, the American Dream is a cliché, and this writer shuns away from cliches.

In this regard, there are many things this writer has to be grateful: supportive family, a job, friends, a house-- are things too few to mention.

SideNote:

It seems to be ironic how the corporate media hero-ify a person they previously condemn and vilify. Rest in peace- Michael Jackson.

Weather Woes

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 17:07:00 +0000

Weather Woes

The weather has been erratic lately. Spring should have come forward with its shiny and warm façade. The sunrise should have been toiling on every weekend, bringing the glorious role of outdoor activities. All the should-have-been’s seems to be just rhetoric. The sun-seeking behavior of Californians appears to have been dashed because of the June Gloom. According to Meteora.edu, the coastal clouds may remain all day but often give way to some hazy afternoon sunshine. The number of days during this two month period that are gloomy vary from year to year.

Into this writer’s surprise, the June Gloom may have been a blessing. The haze of the California sun needs to have its break. A lot of introspection during this rare phenomenon may occur. Moreover, the cold weather seems to be the anti-thesis against the marketing/corporate agenda that spring should be spent outdoors, or out of the country even. One may also find that the weather is associating itself with the bleak economic forecast as of press time. In this regard, a lot of things maybe under the weather, slowly breaking away from the rigid routines of spring and being gloomy as to its entitlement.

Some people may have emotions germane to loneliness and solitude once May Gray/June Gloom occurs. This can be a viable scenario. Once the weather promotes inactivity and introspection, such type of emotions maybe revived like a very earnest and courageous survivor. Like all other seasons, the weather as of press time needs to runs its own natural course. The same would apply with the gloomy emotions attributed to it. It would seem that time would be the only ally, to let the gloominess pass by, and let the sun lighten up someone’s weary soul.

Possession

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Sun, 24 May 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Possession

“Possession,” by Sarah Mclachlan would seem to be one of her remarkable and realistic songs. Borrowing the lyrics from the song:

"Listen as the wind blows

From across the great divide

Voices trapped in yearning

Memories trapped in time

The night is my companion

And solitude my guide

Would I spend forever here

And not be satisfied

And I would be the one

To hold you down

Kiss you so hard

I'll take your breath away

And after I'd wipe away the tears

Just close your eyes dear."

She wrote the song for her stalker. One can say that this can be a mild case of Stockholm syndrome. As such, this is what makes the song realistic and ethereal. Arguably, one can feel the sense of longing on this song, and even symphatize with Sarah's stalker. In a nutshell, this can be called a masterpiece.

Sarah McLachlan - Possession
Uploaded by Vinz91 - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

What I Treasure Most in Nursing

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:54:00 +0000

This essay earned me a Nursing Spectrum CEU Gift Card from Citrus Valley Health Partners-- as of May 22, 2009

This is my entry for "Nurses's Week 2009." Citrus Valley Health Partners have this essay contest. My essay skills would seem to be a little rusty, and it needs some polishing. Joining the essay contest for nurses week may sharpen those skills. - as of May 10, 2009

The contest has a prompt on "What You Treasure Most in Nursing."

What I Treasure Most in Nursing

The looming economic crisis would seem to be eroding this country's resources. Treasures maybe hard to find in the times of foreclosures, bankruptcy and recession. However, I believe that nursing is a profession with intrinsic and indispensable treasures. What I treasure most about nursing is its resiliency to deliver compassionate caring despite obstacles and changes.

Some people might view that nursing is a profession exempted from recession and depression. Ostensibly, this argument can be valid. However, one may find that the nursing profession is also suffering from the economic downturn as manifested by the frozen hiring of nurses. Such situation could result to under-staffing and overworked nurses. In this regard, one may mistake the profession's exemption from economic recession and depression to the nursing profession's resiliency. Resiliency is the adaptation to any adversity. This is one of the things I treasure most about nursing. Despite the hurdles of under-staffing and fatigue, nurses try to adapt to deliver the optimal nursing care with compassion.

Another instance where the nursing profession exhibits resiliency is on the realm of laws and technology. Legal issues seem to bombard the nursing profession. Corporate compliance and HIPAA are some of the issues. In this regard, the nursing profession seem to address these issues with resiliency, and still provide compassionate caring to patients. Information technology is seemingly becoming an aspect in the delivery of health care. Nursing is not an exception. For instance, nurses used the Meditech software for charting. They also used Computer-On-Wheels for medication administration. Initially, some people find technology to be cumbersome and an obstacle to nursing care. However, the nursing profession is resilient to any changes. Moreover, the integration of technology and nursing has greatly improved in the last decade. Since the nursing profession is resilient to the changes in health trends, the intrinsic and indispensable facet which is compassionate caring seems to remain the same.

I would reiterate that the basic component of nursing is compassionate caring. Arguably, the nursing profession is resilient to changes, and this basic component seemed to have never been lost. Changes would include economic decline, financial instability, technology and legal issues. I could have mentioned changes in nursing ethics, Sentinel Events ( Medication and Drug Injuries), Nursing malpractice, Safe staffing issues and many more. Nurses can say: "Bring on the changes, " and the nursing profession would still remain resilient to deliver optimal nursing care under the banner of compassionate caring. With all the adversity and changes, compassionate caring is one of the most basic components of nursing, and it would never go out of style. As Lexie Saige asserts: "A nurse is compassion in scrubs." A nurse is the personification of compassionate caring. Hence, this is what I treasure most about the nursing profession: its resiliency to deliver compassionate caring despite obstacles and changes.

Of Truth, Consequences, and Re-kindled friendships

noreply@blogger.com (PaulRyan) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Of Truth, Consequences, and Re-kindled friendships

Some people are alienated when one would speak of reunions. One can see how movies and TV shows have depicted families to be dysfunctional when it comes to family reunions, and friend reunions. Hollywood would seem to depict such gathering as confrontational, acrimonious, and chaotic. Such depiction would seem to be a disservice to the central core of reunions. This writer attended a reunion of his elementary classmate in the Philippines. Arguably, one may differentiate the Filipino style of reunions.

In reunions, there would seem to be roadblocks. One may say that arriving late is one of the most common hindrances. Arguably, in a crowd, someone would assume the role of a latecomer. This could have been an issue. However, patience and understanding was in an abundant supply. Hence, all was forgiven.

This writer is not in the habit of mentioning names. Accordingly, a Hemingway-esque type of description may suffice. The participants in the reunion would include but are not limited to:

functionally clueless– someone who can be absent-minded e.g.- losing car keys, hotel keys etc.
injured knee
work-oriented
post conservatism- one who is against the “Maria Clara” character
dehydration phobia- one who has a fear of not having enough fluids in the body, and who carries a water bottle most of the time
Size 0- it's for women, whatever it means.

One of the highlights of the reunion is the truth and consequences game. Consequence would include biting toenails, wearing underwear over the head, licking a thumb, toes, kissing uncovered and covered part of a body, wearing make-up,shaving body hair, and the, like. The purpose of this blog entry is from a mere suggestion. A reunion participant suggested that one must memorialize the funny moments of the reunion, hence, here it is.

In a nutshell, one can say that the weekend in the dwindling days of February 2009 is one of the warmest and happiest reunion that happened. Richard Bach states: “Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” Accordingly,it was the process of re-kindled friendships which made the week meaningful. It may surpass the moments and lifetimes of goodbyes.