Python study puts the beat back into cardiac research
U.S. researchers have found useful information for cardiac research resulting from their study on a Burmese python. "...The results might lead to new therapies to improve heart disease conditions in humans" say scientists.
It's funny how at the beginning of the article it addresses snakes having their bad reputation of being scary, souless creatures. I believe that people fear things they do not understand. So it makes me wonder what a reaction a person with a phobia of snakes and a serious heart condition, would have when reading this article.
This is news worth knowing because people who have heart conditions or people who know someone with a heart condition would want to know this.
Monday, 31 October 2011
News Worth Knowing #7
Why are we fighting wars for law if we won't charge Bush?
There is a skepticism between political opinionists as to whether or not former President George Bush should be charged for violating numerous human rights laws regarding captive detainees.
As a Canadian, I think it's a good idea. The American authorities/officials should lock Bush up for his war crimes and starting a false conspiracy. But I can see how that can be a very difficult thing for Americans to do since it would mean putting an enormous dent into their precious nation's pride. Not only that, but I have a hunch that if anyone actually tried to legally put Bush behind bars, the CIA would step in and secretly 'dispose' of them in order to protect America's government's image.
This is news worth knowing because this is a very controversial debate going on just right below our border.
There is a skepticism between political opinionists as to whether or not former President George Bush should be charged for violating numerous human rights laws regarding captive detainees.
As a Canadian, I think it's a good idea. The American authorities/officials should lock Bush up for his war crimes and starting a false conspiracy. But I can see how that can be a very difficult thing for Americans to do since it would mean putting an enormous dent into their precious nation's pride. Not only that, but I have a hunch that if anyone actually tried to legally put Bush behind bars, the CIA would step in and secretly 'dispose' of them in order to protect America's government's image.
This is news worth knowing because this is a very controversial debate going on just right below our border.
News Worth Knowing #6
What is too much when it comes to kids and Halloween?
Some school boards across B.C. are banning certain costume ideas to be worn at school. If any ONE person complains to the school board and says they are offended by a particular costume or Halloween idea, then the costume/idea would be banned from being brought to school.
As I've grown older from my childhood into young adulthood, I've noticed how increasingly dull holiday events have gotten over the years compared to how they used to feel in my elementary school years. But this year I thought I'd try to enjoy myself a little more by going out in a Halloween costume for old time's sake unlike last year when I just stayed home and gave out candy to the kids.
I had this one costume idea that I've always dreamed of doing for the past three years but I never got around to building it because I didn't know where or how nor the time and money in order to get all things I needed to complete it. That, and another issue. A moral issue. Even so, this year I decided I wouldn't bother taking into consideration of the so called 'immorality' of my costume idea. I had just turned 16 and was convinced -- and still am -- that I am now at an age where I can start to make major decisions in my life by myself, and for myself. And if there be consequences as a result of the choices I make then so be it; I'll stand up and face them maturely. If some people consequently find my costume 'offensive,' then perhaps those people should take into consideration of sticking their nose into a history book before forming an opinion derived by what they see in the media and pop culture.
With all this in mind and Halloween being just less than a month away (my birthday is September 30th), I was determined to go through with my costume idea. So nearly everyday when I got home from school I'd hop on the computer and browse eBay and other retail sites looking for specific items and clothing for sale that my costume needed. And as I was doing this I felt that spark of joy and excitement from my childhood flaring inside me once again. Then my dad sees what I'm doing and he gives me all these reasonable explanations for why it's a bad idea, that people will percieve it wrongly and make threats against me and the family. So once again in my life, I can't do something I want to do because of a few ignorant people.
Some school boards across B.C. are banning certain costume ideas to be worn at school. If any ONE person complains to the school board and says they are offended by a particular costume or Halloween idea, then the costume/idea would be banned from being brought to school.
As I've grown older from my childhood into young adulthood, I've noticed how increasingly dull holiday events have gotten over the years compared to how they used to feel in my elementary school years. But this year I thought I'd try to enjoy myself a little more by going out in a Halloween costume for old time's sake unlike last year when I just stayed home and gave out candy to the kids.
I had this one costume idea that I've always dreamed of doing for the past three years but I never got around to building it because I didn't know where or how nor the time and money in order to get all things I needed to complete it. That, and another issue. A moral issue. Even so, this year I decided I wouldn't bother taking into consideration of the so called 'immorality' of my costume idea. I had just turned 16 and was convinced -- and still am -- that I am now at an age where I can start to make major decisions in my life by myself, and for myself. And if there be consequences as a result of the choices I make then so be it; I'll stand up and face them maturely. If some people consequently find my costume 'offensive,' then perhaps those people should take into consideration of sticking their nose into a history book before forming an opinion derived by what they see in the media and pop culture.
With all this in mind and Halloween being just less than a month away (my birthday is September 30th), I was determined to go through with my costume idea. So nearly everyday when I got home from school I'd hop on the computer and browse eBay and other retail sites looking for specific items and clothing for sale that my costume needed. And as I was doing this I felt that spark of joy and excitement from my childhood flaring inside me once again. Then my dad sees what I'm doing and he gives me all these reasonable explanations for why it's a bad idea, that people will percieve it wrongly and make threats against me and the family. So once again in my life, I can't do something I want to do because of a few ignorant people.
Dreams crushed yet again.
News Worth Knowing #5
Obituaries
Two Canadian World War Two veterans died this October of 2011. It is important that we remember these elderly men and what they did for this country.
I know this isn't exactly a legit news article but it is news worth knowing none the less, especially with Rememberance Day coming up. Sometimes we can be so busy and distracted with our day to day activities that we tend to not have the time to consider past events or people. This is the plight of an elderly war veteran. Whatever valor and unsurmountable bravery an ex-soldier had demonstrated in the past fades away and is drowned out by our ever expanding society whose focus is committed to the present and the present alone. If it weren't for the sacrifices of these few men our futures would look much, much different. They fought for the sake of sustaining a free world, where all men are created equal and in return, it is tradition that they recieve a brief moment of commemoration by us. To my dissappointment, I have learned that not all of the people around me charish this very basic tradition. I have seen kids my age rip the poppies off their clothing, throw it to the ground and stomp and spit on them whilst making the most vile and disrespectful comments about the men that fought to preserve the very freedoms they enjoy to this day.
All that is asked, is day of silent rememberance for those who have fought and are still fighting for us.
Two Canadian World War Two veterans died this October of 2011. It is important that we remember these elderly men and what they did for this country.
I know this isn't exactly a legit news article but it is news worth knowing none the less, especially with Rememberance Day coming up. Sometimes we can be so busy and distracted with our day to day activities that we tend to not have the time to consider past events or people. This is the plight of an elderly war veteran. Whatever valor and unsurmountable bravery an ex-soldier had demonstrated in the past fades away and is drowned out by our ever expanding society whose focus is committed to the present and the present alone. If it weren't for the sacrifices of these few men our futures would look much, much different. They fought for the sake of sustaining a free world, where all men are created equal and in return, it is tradition that they recieve a brief moment of commemoration by us. To my dissappointment, I have learned that not all of the people around me charish this very basic tradition. I have seen kids my age rip the poppies off their clothing, throw it to the ground and stomp and spit on them whilst making the most vile and disrespectful comments about the men that fought to preserve the very freedoms they enjoy to this day.
All that is asked, is day of silent rememberance for those who have fought and are still fighting for us.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
News Worth Knowing #4
Berkeley bake sale sparking racism, sexism arguments
A bake sale in California is pricing their products based on the customer's ethnicity or gender. Threats have been made towards the bake sale organizers in response to their "biast" prices.
I'll be honest, this article just makes me laugh. It clearly shows how sensitive people are when it comes to their racial background. So friggin what if you're Hispanic and a muffin costs you 50 cents more than what you would pay if you were Asian? According to the menu prices, all white customers have to pay slightly more than all of the other races on the list when purchasing any of the baked goods. I myself happened to be white and it does feel a little unfair and biast too but you won't see me starting a riot or bad mouthing at the employees.
Seriously, what makes people think that after seeing something SO small as the price of a muffin that they feel the need to take it upon themselves to defend the 'good name' of their race? And this isn't something so controversial or depriving as not being able to vote or being forced to give up your seat on the bus depending on the colour of your skin. If it was, then all those deeply offended people would easily have my sympathy. But it's not. It's a friggin bake sale. It's nothing worth getting all dramatic over. Although I am curious how they would calculate the total cost of something being bought by someone that was half-white half-Asian . . . . .
The moral here is that you shouldn't let your pride (as infatuated as it may be) cloud your decision making. Don't like it? Don't buy it. It's just that simple.
A bake sale in California is pricing their products based on the customer's ethnicity or gender. Threats have been made towards the bake sale organizers in response to their "biast" prices.
I'll be honest, this article just makes me laugh. It clearly shows how sensitive people are when it comes to their racial background. So friggin what if you're Hispanic and a muffin costs you 50 cents more than what you would pay if you were Asian? According to the menu prices, all white customers have to pay slightly more than all of the other races on the list when purchasing any of the baked goods. I myself happened to be white and it does feel a little unfair and biast too but you won't see me starting a riot or bad mouthing at the employees.
Seriously, what makes people think that after seeing something SO small as the price of a muffin that they feel the need to take it upon themselves to defend the 'good name' of their race? And this isn't something so controversial or depriving as not being able to vote or being forced to give up your seat on the bus depending on the colour of your skin. If it was, then all those deeply offended people would easily have my sympathy. But it's not. It's a friggin bake sale. It's nothing worth getting all dramatic over. Although I am curious how they would calculate the total cost of something being bought by someone that was half-white half-Asian . . . . .
The moral here is that you shouldn't let your pride (as infatuated as it may be) cloud your decision making. Don't like it? Don't buy it. It's just that simple.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
News Worth Knowing #3
Facebook users target innocent man
A man living in Burnaby is being falsely accused of killing 19 year old Jamie Kehoe during a Surrey bus ride on Oct 7. Rumours spread on facebook and consequently caused the innocent man to lose his job and deteriorate his status in society.
I personally have had many bad experiences with using social networking. Some of the things I posted were so impulsive that this one time a police officer had to come in and talk to me about how unacceptable and inappropriate my posts were. But that was way back when I was in the 7th grade and it's fair to say that we've all said and done stupid things when we were very young, especially when introduced to the internet at such an early age.
However this scenario is different in that the stupid things being typed on facebook is coming from users that should be old enough and responsible to know just what kind of chain reaction they're setting off by targeting any random person and spreading a rumour that they killed someone. I bet the people that spread those false rumours just love to feed off of all the controversy and drama that ensued.
The moral here applies to anyone that posts stuff on the internet; whether you're replying or creating, think before you post. The internet is not a toy. It is a tool. A tool used to provide people with an unlimited source of information from sources that may or may not be trustworthy. However it is responsibility of the reader to show maturity and good judgment when reading any material posted on the internet.
A man living in Burnaby is being falsely accused of killing 19 year old Jamie Kehoe during a Surrey bus ride on Oct 7. Rumours spread on facebook and consequently caused the innocent man to lose his job and deteriorate his status in society.
I personally have had many bad experiences with using social networking. Some of the things I posted were so impulsive that this one time a police officer had to come in and talk to me about how unacceptable and inappropriate my posts were. But that was way back when I was in the 7th grade and it's fair to say that we've all said and done stupid things when we were very young, especially when introduced to the internet at such an early age.
However this scenario is different in that the stupid things being typed on facebook is coming from users that should be old enough and responsible to know just what kind of chain reaction they're setting off by targeting any random person and spreading a rumour that they killed someone. I bet the people that spread those false rumours just love to feed off of all the controversy and drama that ensued.
The moral here applies to anyone that posts stuff on the internet; whether you're replying or creating, think before you post. The internet is not a toy. It is a tool. A tool used to provide people with an unlimited source of information from sources that may or may not be trustworthy. However it is responsibility of the reader to show maturity and good judgment when reading any material posted on the internet.
Monday, 17 October 2011
News Worth Knowing #2
'Stupid, senseless act' kills teen
On October 7th, a stabbing on a Surrey bus ride claimed the life of an 18 year old boy. Jamie Kehoe was unwillingly caught in the middle of two women fighting when a big, black individual came and slashed Jamie's throat.
Reading this article gave me mixed feelings, most of which were coming from the sickness in my stomach. This isn't your average news story you hear about gang violence and rival gangs killing eachother. If it was, I'd feel more comfortable knowing that another arrogant gang banger had been shot dead in the streets. But when I hear on the news that a beloved young highschool graduate died like a slaughtered pig due to some ignorant highschool dropouts' eager lust for violence, well that kind of pisses me off. It pisses me off knowing that someone with absolutley no future took away someone else's life and is currently getting away with it.
What makes this news worth knowing? To show people the consequences made by the actions of society's irresponsible and immoral adolesence. Reading this should make some people think twice about pulling out a knife on some complete stranger trying to avoid a fight. Perhaps they will consider whose lives they might affect before making a "stupid, senseless act."
On October 7th, a stabbing on a Surrey bus ride claimed the life of an 18 year old boy. Jamie Kehoe was unwillingly caught in the middle of two women fighting when a big, black individual came and slashed Jamie's throat.
Reading this article gave me mixed feelings, most of which were coming from the sickness in my stomach. This isn't your average news story you hear about gang violence and rival gangs killing eachother. If it was, I'd feel more comfortable knowing that another arrogant gang banger had been shot dead in the streets. But when I hear on the news that a beloved young highschool graduate died like a slaughtered pig due to some ignorant highschool dropouts' eager lust for violence, well that kind of pisses me off. It pisses me off knowing that someone with absolutley no future took away someone else's life and is currently getting away with it.
What makes this news worth knowing? To show people the consequences made by the actions of society's irresponsible and immoral adolesence. Reading this should make some people think twice about pulling out a knife on some complete stranger trying to avoid a fight. Perhaps they will consider whose lives they might affect before making a "stupid, senseless act."
News Worth Knowing #1
Diary reveals thoughts of 'ordinary' wartime German
Friedrich Kellner was an ordinary working class German citizen living in Nazi Germany. His diary which he wrote in to express his hate for Nazism was recently published in Berlin.
The scars of the Holocaust serve as a permanent reminder of the consequences that result from political extremism. Kellner's diary vividly captures those dark times living in Nazi Germany. As Canadians of today we are so lucky to have been born in a country that greatly supports and promotes all forms of multiculturalism.
Imagine living in a country where suddenly its government declares you and others like you inferior to all other beings. They intentionally seek to find 'efficient' ways to make your life miserable. The hardships that you will endure start off as a small portion foreshadowing the much greater horrors that lie ahead. Laws are invented to discriminate you from the rest of society and to encourage labelling you as an unwanted minority group. Former friends and co-workers refuse to associate themselves with you. Shop keepers and restaurant owners put out signs telling you they no longer serve your 'kind.' High taxes are imposed on only you and everyone else who shares your religious beliefs.
And despite all the communal neglect and ridicule, you will yourself to hold onto to this inconcievable hope that someday things will change for the better, that tomorrow will be better than is today. Regrettably, conditions of living in such a society will only get worse over the next decade.
This is why this is news worth knowing. While we lean back in our chairs, sipping on our morning coffee reading the newspaper and experiencing all the wonderful freedoms we enjoy today, we come across this article and are reminded of a time when the world went mad.
Friedrich Kellner was an ordinary working class German citizen living in Nazi Germany. His diary which he wrote in to express his hate for Nazism was recently published in Berlin.
The scars of the Holocaust serve as a permanent reminder of the consequences that result from political extremism. Kellner's diary vividly captures those dark times living in Nazi Germany. As Canadians of today we are so lucky to have been born in a country that greatly supports and promotes all forms of multiculturalism.
Imagine living in a country where suddenly its government declares you and others like you inferior to all other beings. They intentionally seek to find 'efficient' ways to make your life miserable. The hardships that you will endure start off as a small portion foreshadowing the much greater horrors that lie ahead. Laws are invented to discriminate you from the rest of society and to encourage labelling you as an unwanted minority group. Former friends and co-workers refuse to associate themselves with you. Shop keepers and restaurant owners put out signs telling you they no longer serve your 'kind.' High taxes are imposed on only you and everyone else who shares your religious beliefs.
And despite all the communal neglect and ridicule, you will yourself to hold onto to this inconcievable hope that someday things will change for the better, that tomorrow will be better than is today. Regrettably, conditions of living in such a society will only get worse over the next decade.
This is why this is news worth knowing. While we lean back in our chairs, sipping on our morning coffee reading the newspaper and experiencing all the wonderful freedoms we enjoy today, we come across this article and are reminded of a time when the world went mad.
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Journal Response to Emerson Quote
"To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, -- that is genius. Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson is saying that the thoughts of all men are connected and affect each other in some spiritual form. In order to understand what Emerson is saying, one should consider what the quote means to them personally, as different readers may interpret the meaning in their own thoughts. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes down to your personal opinions or beliefs because nobody can take away your thoughts.
Relating to Emerson's imagery of the "iron string," I see my heart as a chord on a guitar. I voice my opinion when the chord is played, and as a result it vibrates through the hearts and minds of other people that share the same fret(s).
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Emerson is saying that the thoughts of all men are connected and affect each other in some spiritual form. In order to understand what Emerson is saying, one should consider what the quote means to them personally, as different readers may interpret the meaning in their own thoughts. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes down to your personal opinions or beliefs because nobody can take away your thoughts.
Relating to Emerson's imagery of the "iron string," I see my heart as a chord on a guitar. I voice my opinion when the chord is played, and as a result it vibrates through the hearts and minds of other people that share the same fret(s).
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Poem Response #1: Where I'm From
Which of the poems had the most meaning for you personally?
What thoughts and/or feelings did the texts evoke in you? Why?
The poem Where I'm From uses a very clever style of writing, using references and implications to accurately describe what the author is feeling. As a Catholic, I personally liked the line implying themes from the Bible; capitalizing the 'H' in "He," using a lamb as a religious symbol. I find that religion reflects greatly on the things that I do and how I act and reading this poem made me think about what it meant to the author as well.
What thoughts and/or feelings did the texts evoke in you? Why?
The poem Where I'm From uses a very clever style of writing, using references and implications to accurately describe what the author is feeling. As a Catholic, I personally liked the line implying themes from the Bible; capitalizing the 'H' in "He," using a lamb as a religious symbol. I find that religion reflects greatly on the things that I do and how I act and reading this poem made me think about what it meant to the author as well.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Little Things People Do that Give Clues about Their Character
1. Moving to the Side
-The little thing: Two strangers are walking in opposite directions on the same sidewalk. One moves to the side allowing more room to pass by while the other maintains a straight course without giving way.
-It could mean: The person is shy/submissive/afraid and does not want to provoke anything with her presence.
2. Looking Back
-The little thing: Two partners are sitting together at a table, talking. After saying their goodbyes, one leaves the table but looks over his shoulder at the other whom is still seated.
-It could mean: The person genuinely cares for the one that is seated. He may give thoughtful consideration to what the other had said to him.
3. Saying "Good Morning"
-The little thing: Two strangers are walking in opposite directions on the same sidewalk. One greets the other as she passes by.
-It could mean: The person is friendly/sociable.
4.
-The little thing:
-It could mean:
-The little thing: Two strangers are walking in opposite directions on the same sidewalk. One moves to the side allowing more room to pass by while the other maintains a straight course without giving way.
-It could mean: The person is shy/submissive/afraid and does not want to provoke anything with her presence.
2. Looking Back
-The little thing: Two partners are sitting together at a table, talking. After saying their goodbyes, one leaves the table but looks over his shoulder at the other whom is still seated.
-It could mean: The person genuinely cares for the one that is seated. He may give thoughtful consideration to what the other had said to him.
3. Saying "Good Morning"
-The little thing: Two strangers are walking in opposite directions on the same sidewalk. One greets the other as she passes by.
-It could mean: The person is friendly/sociable.
4.
-The little thing:
-It could mean:
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)