How to do One Thing at a Time
The article, How to do One Thing at a Time, from Women' s Magazine, says that performing one task at a time show a sufficient work as a result than multi-tasking. In the recent experiment at Stanford University, it was clearly showed that single-tasker performed better than the multi-taskers.
I strongly agree that doing one thing at a time gives a better result. Focusing in one task is important. You will be able to finish task in the orderly manner; you can easily go back to double check your work and make changes if necessary. For example, our greatest scientist. They made sure to focus in one invention at a time, they wanted to make sure that they were doing the exact details, steps and measurements because they were looking forward for a good result.
"Talking on the Phone while driving? Dumb idea", it is a dumb idea. Based on my own experience, I would say that, focus is a must while driving. Two years ago, I was driving in Lincoln tunnel going to New Jersey to visit my mother. Since the flow of the traffic was a little slow; I decided to call my mother to ask her if she need something from the grocery. As I was dialing, of course; I have to glance back and forth between my cell phone and the road, I was pretty confident because I get a customed driving while talking on the phone. But on that particular day, when I glanced on my phone for two seconds and when i looked back at the road of the tunnel; I already have no chance to slow down and I just suddenly stepped on the brake and then an accident occured. Just after that accident, when started to realized that i can' t multi-task while driving; and not only while driving. From then, I make it a point not to pick up my phone while my hands are on the wheel.
My own experience proved me something. It is important to focus in one task at a time for a better result.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
Blog 15: Revision of CATW 2
The Woman Who Died in th Waiting Room
"The Woman Who Died in the Waiting Room" from Newsweek on July 12, 2008 by Jeneen Interlandi is the story of Ms. Esmin Green. She was found dead in the waiting room of Brooklyn Psychiatric Hospital. Tha article says that incidents like this could have been avoided if there were enough facilities and help provided. Mentally ill patients like Ms. Green usually suffers from waiting the longest for treatment as other patient population do.
"With just 50,000 inpatient psychiatric beds for tens and millions of people across the country, the mentally ill typically wait twice as long for treatment as other patient population do" I used to volunteer at some public hospitals in Brooklyn and Queens before. I saw all these psychiatric patients waiting on line since early morning and not be given services until mid day and some patients in the emergency room waited longer. One night im on my way out of the hospital to go home around 10 p.m, as i was walking along the hallway of the emergency room, coming across to me are two paramedics pushing the stretcher with an old man. When I came back the following day at 8 in the morning, I was surprised when i saw the old man still waiting in the emergrncy room and havent seen by any doctor yet. I felt sorry for him to be in that situation.
In contrast, I had the chance to work at a private nursing home facility in Brooklyn. Even with the appropriate services given to all the patients, some still have to wait awhile because of their existing condition. Some requires special attention to their medical needs. As i was reading the article and based on my experiences, i realized how unfortunate the psychiatric patients are because of their status. They have no other option because they have no other means. I agree with Ken Duckworth, medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "There is just no place for them to go".
"The Woman Who Died in the Waiting Room" from Newsweek on July 12, 2008 by Jeneen Interlandi is the story of Ms. Esmin Green. She was found dead in the waiting room of Brooklyn Psychiatric Hospital. Tha article says that incidents like this could have been avoided if there were enough facilities and help provided. Mentally ill patients like Ms. Green usually suffers from waiting the longest for treatment as other patient population do.
"With just 50,000 inpatient psychiatric beds for tens and millions of people across the country, the mentally ill typically wait twice as long for treatment as other patient population do" I used to volunteer at some public hospitals in Brooklyn and Queens before. I saw all these psychiatric patients waiting on line since early morning and not be given services until mid day and some patients in the emergency room waited longer. One night im on my way out of the hospital to go home around 10 p.m, as i was walking along the hallway of the emergency room, coming across to me are two paramedics pushing the stretcher with an old man. When I came back the following day at 8 in the morning, I was surprised when i saw the old man still waiting in the emergrncy room and havent seen by any doctor yet. I felt sorry for him to be in that situation.
In contrast, I had the chance to work at a private nursing home facility in Brooklyn. Even with the appropriate services given to all the patients, some still have to wait awhile because of their existing condition. Some requires special attention to their medical needs. As i was reading the article and based on my experiences, i realized how unfortunate the psychiatric patients are because of their status. They have no other option because they have no other means. I agree with Ken Duckworth, medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "There is just no place for them to go".
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Blog 14: Learning from another ENG99
I read three summary response essay from another class of ENG99 regarding the article "The Danger of Reality Television" extracted from Timothy Sexton. An article about Reality Television show and its effect to to young viewers. i chose the post #3 from Royalty Rafiat. I strongly believe that her essay is adequate. The summary is good, she made a clear summary with its main idea and ommited supporting details. I liked how she paraprhased one of quote from the article that says something about education, that it is not important and some youth nowadays thinks the same way and they want to join Reality TV. But Royal rafiat explained the importance of education to once life. She mentioned that from Reality TV you could make money, but it is just a temp[ora
Friday, May 6, 2011
Blog 13: Revision of CATW 1.
An Education in Citizenship
According to an editorial published on March 31, 2003 entitled "An Education in Citizenship", the Illionois House passed a bill that would enableillegal immigrants to attend Illinois Colleges and Universities and only paying the lower in-state tuition rate. The difference between the in-satate and out of state rate is $8,604. As mentioned by the writer, Nobody wants to deprive anybody of a good higher education. The argument is that the concept of being a citizen entitles one to have an exclusive set of rights that includes to be able to attend school and paying the lower in-state tuition. While this young people who are in the U.S. illegally are given the same priveledge. One can indeed argue that the parents of these illegal immigrants pay taxes here in the U.S. so the criterion for access to a lower tuition fee is satisfied but the students from other states can claim the same. Their parents also pay federal tax dollars that supports the student' s school systems through the government' s Pell grant and Federal loans. There is that question that persist why legal citizens from other states get charge more compared to the illegal immigrants. Lastly, the writer of the editorial is concluding that having the legal status seems to be the deciding factor on wether one should be awarded to pay the in-state tuition rate.
"The Notion that someone can have no legal right to be present in the country but be entitled to a very expensive and valuable benefit of Citizenship is absurd on it' s face." I do agree with the writer' s assesment of the situation. Citizens should have that priveledge of paying the lower in-state tuition. Being a tax payer and a citizen myself, I am thankful i have that oppurtunity to be able to be in school and be able to afford it.
As the writer said "No one wants to see any able student deprived of a good higher education." I can see why Illionois' Senator voted in a land slide for the bill. Personally, I feel for those illegal immigrants who cannot continue their education because of its high cost. Their dreams are hindered because they simply cannot afford it. I have known a friend and she is exceptionally gifted student who simply went back to their country to continue her college education because of the expensive tuition rate here in the U.S.
I just hope that soon we can find a resolution in this matter.
According to an editorial published on March 31, 2003 entitled "An Education in Citizenship", the Illionois House passed a bill that would enableillegal immigrants to attend Illinois Colleges and Universities and only paying the lower in-state tuition rate. The difference between the in-satate and out of state rate is $8,604. As mentioned by the writer, Nobody wants to deprive anybody of a good higher education. The argument is that the concept of being a citizen entitles one to have an exclusive set of rights that includes to be able to attend school and paying the lower in-state tuition. While this young people who are in the U.S. illegally are given the same priveledge. One can indeed argue that the parents of these illegal immigrants pay taxes here in the U.S. so the criterion for access to a lower tuition fee is satisfied but the students from other states can claim the same. Their parents also pay federal tax dollars that supports the student' s school systems through the government' s Pell grant and Federal loans. There is that question that persist why legal citizens from other states get charge more compared to the illegal immigrants. Lastly, the writer of the editorial is concluding that having the legal status seems to be the deciding factor on wether one should be awarded to pay the in-state tuition rate.
"The Notion that someone can have no legal right to be present in the country but be entitled to a very expensive and valuable benefit of Citizenship is absurd on it' s face." I do agree with the writer' s assesment of the situation. Citizens should have that priveledge of paying the lower in-state tuition. Being a tax payer and a citizen myself, I am thankful i have that oppurtunity to be able to be in school and be able to afford it.
As the writer said "No one wants to see any able student deprived of a good higher education." I can see why Illionois' Senator voted in a land slide for the bill. Personally, I feel for those illegal immigrants who cannot continue their education because of its high cost. Their dreams are hindered because they simply cannot afford it. I have known a friend and she is exceptionally gifted student who simply went back to their country to continue her college education because of the expensive tuition rate here in the U.S.
I just hope that soon we can find a resolution in this matter.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Blog 12: "Gone baby gone"
"Gone baby gone" is a dramatic mystery movie, directed by: Ben Affleck.
Gone baby gone is a story of Amanda. The little girl from Boston, whos been kidnapped by the police Captain, accomplice by his two F.B.I friends, and Lionel amanda' s uncle. It was a set-up kidnapped to save Amanda from bad elements and to give her a better future; also to give her mother (Helena) a moral lesson. But it turned out disastrous. When Patrick (private investigators) discovered that it was a set-up kidnapped, he totally disgree to the idea, while Angie (his girl friend/private investigator) was really happy to see Amanda living a normal and peaceful life under the guidance of the kidnapper. Since Patrick is an Ethical Absolutism, no nobody could stopped him from revealing the truth to the authority and little Amanda reunited with her mother.
Lionel and his wife loved little Amanda like their own daughter and they cared for her so much. They know that Helena would not do something to better Amanda' s life, and its killing them watching amanda under her mother' s guidance. It' s breaking their heart knowing Helena is addicted to drugs and dealing with dangerous people carrying Amanda with her. Those are some of the reasons why they rather see Amanda taken away from her mother and gave her to the Captain. Thouh the idea was bad, but it could save little Amanda' s life and she will have a better future. The Captain, and Lionel strongly believed in Consequentialism.
Patrick barely knew Amanda, and whats life the little girl is facing. He knew that Helena is a drug user, irresponsible and she is not a role model for her own child. But when she begged him to bring back Amanda to her, Patrick promised her Amanda will be home, because he strongly believed that the daughter belongs to her mother no matter what. So, Patrick called the authority for the truth and He brought Amanda back to her mother.
I would say that he movie has taken both sides, the movie have sufficient evidence and support to justify both sides. Personally, based on the situation and poverty in the story, i will choose for Amanda to stay with the new family. Although it is not the right thing to do, but I want whats good for her and I am aware that she is in good hands.
Gone baby gone is a story of Amanda. The little girl from Boston, whos been kidnapped by the police Captain, accomplice by his two F.B.I friends, and Lionel amanda' s uncle. It was a set-up kidnapped to save Amanda from bad elements and to give her a better future; also to give her mother (Helena) a moral lesson. But it turned out disastrous. When Patrick (private investigators) discovered that it was a set-up kidnapped, he totally disgree to the idea, while Angie (his girl friend/private investigator) was really happy to see Amanda living a normal and peaceful life under the guidance of the kidnapper. Since Patrick is an Ethical Absolutism, no nobody could stopped him from revealing the truth to the authority and little Amanda reunited with her mother.
Lionel and his wife loved little Amanda like their own daughter and they cared for her so much. They know that Helena would not do something to better Amanda' s life, and its killing them watching amanda under her mother' s guidance. It' s breaking their heart knowing Helena is addicted to drugs and dealing with dangerous people carrying Amanda with her. Those are some of the reasons why they rather see Amanda taken away from her mother and gave her to the Captain. Thouh the idea was bad, but it could save little Amanda' s life and she will have a better future. The Captain, and Lionel strongly believed in Consequentialism.
Patrick barely knew Amanda, and whats life the little girl is facing. He knew that Helena is a drug user, irresponsible and she is not a role model for her own child. But when she begged him to bring back Amanda to her, Patrick promised her Amanda will be home, because he strongly believed that the daughter belongs to her mother no matter what. So, Patrick called the authority for the truth and He brought Amanda back to her mother.
I would say that he movie has taken both sides, the movie have sufficient evidence and support to justify both sides. Personally, based on the situation and poverty in the story, i will choose for Amanda to stay with the new family. Although it is not the right thing to do, but I want whats good for her and I am aware that she is in good hands.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Blog 11: Practice 2 CATW
"The Woman Who Died in the Waiting Room"
The passage "The Woman Who Died in the Waiting Room" by Jeneen Interlandi from the Newsweek on July 12, 2008 a Woman died named Esmin Green in the waiting room of Brooklyn psychiatric hospital. Esmin Green found by a nurse on the floor after nearly an hour of her death. Since 1960s, hospital across the country began closing their doors for psychiatric care, poor and uninsured patience. With only 50,000 inpatient psychiatric beds for tens of millions of people across the country, most of the time mentally Ill patients receives the treatment lastly.
According to the passage "With just 50,000 inpatient psychiatric beds for tens of millions of people across the country, the mentally I'll typically wait twice as long for treatment as other patient do". There are only 50,000 of psychiatric patients across the country but they always get to the last when it comes to treatment. Which is I think that its not fair, even though they are mentally Ill they are also human. They always get treated last because doctors and nurses thinks that they couldn't complain. But they need more attention than anybody else. They deserve to be to treated fairly.
From my own experience, I' am working at a facility for dementia and ahlzeimer patients. I look at them and treat them like my grandparents. I make sure to do my rounds every 30 minutes. I make it to a point that I help them with their needs. I place the call bell where they can easily reach it before I leave the patient unattended.
The passage "The Woman Who Died in the Waiting Room" by Jeneen Interlandi from the Newsweek on July 12, 2008 a Woman died named Esmin Green in the waiting room of Brooklyn psychiatric hospital. Esmin Green found by a nurse on the floor after nearly an hour of her death. Since 1960s, hospital across the country began closing their doors for psychiatric care, poor and uninsured patience. With only 50,000 inpatient psychiatric beds for tens of millions of people across the country, most of the time mentally Ill patients receives the treatment lastly.
According to the passage "With just 50,000 inpatient psychiatric beds for tens of millions of people across the country, the mentally I'll typically wait twice as long for treatment as other patient do". There are only 50,000 of psychiatric patients across the country but they always get to the last when it comes to treatment. Which is I think that its not fair, even though they are mentally Ill they are also human. They always get treated last because doctors and nurses thinks that they couldn't complain. But they need more attention than anybody else. They deserve to be to treated fairly.
From my own experience, I' am working at a facility for dementia and ahlzeimer patients. I look at them and treat them like my grandparents. I make sure to do my rounds every 30 minutes. I make it to a point that I help them with their needs. I place the call bell where they can easily reach it before I leave the patient unattended.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Blog 10: Hero and Anti Hero in the movie "Hero"
In the movie "Hero", I believe that Bernie Laplante performed the task of being a hero. Although Bernie has all the negative and ugly attitude towards people, he didn' t just saved the passengers lives just to get a recognition. As a matter of fact, Bernie has no idea that by rescuing the passengers in the airplane could make him a hero, he is not even aware of his own actions and its outcome. At first, he refused to help the little boy, but when he said that his father were still inside the plane maybe he thought of his son thats why he went in to look for the little boys father. But on top of his mind is also to steal wallets from the passengers. It means that he has no any intention in letting the people know that he saved their lives, instead he headed to see his son that he supposed to take to the movie before the insident.
For me, John Bubber stands as the Anti-Hero. Though he is not as mean as Bernie but no real hero could pretend and lie about saving people' s lives just to get the compliments and benefits of being a hero.
For me, John Bubber stands as the Anti-Hero. Though he is not as mean as Bernie but no real hero could pretend and lie about saving people' s lives just to get the compliments and benefits of being a hero.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Blog 9: CATW Practice 1
An Education in Citizenship
The passage "An education in Citizenship", is about the newly passed bill in Illinois House. The new law will acknowledge young foreign students in the United States to pay in-state tuition rates at Illinois Colleges and Universities. The out-state rate in college is very expensive compared to in-state rate. Young people cannot continue their studies because of this reason. They simply cannot afford it. For some citizens it is unfair, because paying a lower rate for their kids college tuition is a privilege of being a citizen and since they are paying US taxes.
As a citizen of United States, I would say that it is not fair for us to let illegal aliens to be entitled of our privileges. But i hope that citizens and law makers of US can consider that this new law is a big help to many young people to pursue their studies. Education is important specially for young people wether they are citizen or not. Not many parents could afford the out-state rate and some young people end up not going to college and becomes burden in our society. Some youth that are out of school deprives to do something bad, they get involved with drugs and some illegal activities.
The passage "An education in Citizenship", is about the newly passed bill in Illinois House. The new law will acknowledge young foreign students in the United States to pay in-state tuition rates at Illinois Colleges and Universities. The out-state rate in college is very expensive compared to in-state rate. Young people cannot continue their studies because of this reason. They simply cannot afford it. For some citizens it is unfair, because paying a lower rate for their kids college tuition is a privilege of being a citizen and since they are paying US taxes.
As a citizen of United States, I would say that it is not fair for us to let illegal aliens to be entitled of our privileges. But i hope that citizens and law makers of US can consider that this new law is a big help to many young people to pursue their studies. Education is important specially for young people wether they are citizen or not. Not many parents could afford the out-state rate and some young people end up not going to college and becomes burden in our society. Some youth that are out of school deprives to do something bad, they get involved with drugs and some illegal activities.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Blog 8: Red Pill or Blue Pill: Is Ignorance Bliss?
The reading "Red Pill or Blue Pill: Is ignorance bliss?" emphasizes the noticeable resemblance of the main characters of The Matrix movie, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass. The protagonists namely Neo from the Matrix movie and Alice in Alice in Wonderland shared similar experiences throughout their journey. One example of which is that they were shown with things that would start their journey into either a world of reality or fantasy. Neo was presented with the red pill and blue pill the same way Alice was given the magic drink and cake. The choice they made put them through self discovery and experiences of what they thought is real and what's not.
The Matrix movie relates to Plato's book The Republic in a sense that both deals with knowledge, reality and enlightenment of the truth. The film showed how Neo turned away from the truth when he was first approached by Morpheus. This is similar to the accounts of Socrates in "The Allegory of the Cave" where the cave dwellers refused to see the truth and continue to believe in their imaginary world - a world full of illusions.
The film clearly demonstrated how Neo and Cypher made choices that greatly affected their lives. Neo seeked out the truth to better understand the difference between appearance and reality. In the process he gained knowledge and wisdom that helped him to fully understand the meaning of freedom and what the world really is. On the other hand, Cypher's vision of freedom and reality is overshadowed by his poor perception of it's true meaning. He betrayed everyone in order to free himself of responsibilities and restraints.
This reading tells us that we have choices to make in life. These choices will pave the path towards our future. The knowledge we attain and the experiences that comes with our effort in seeking the truth leads us to accept the world around us and help us to understand that reality is part of our everyday existence.
The Matrix movie relates to Plato's book The Republic in a sense that both deals with knowledge, reality and enlightenment of the truth. The film showed how Neo turned away from the truth when he was first approached by Morpheus. This is similar to the accounts of Socrates in "The Allegory of the Cave" where the cave dwellers refused to see the truth and continue to believe in their imaginary world - a world full of illusions.
The film clearly demonstrated how Neo and Cypher made choices that greatly affected their lives. Neo seeked out the truth to better understand the difference between appearance and reality. In the process he gained knowledge and wisdom that helped him to fully understand the meaning of freedom and what the world really is. On the other hand, Cypher's vision of freedom and reality is overshadowed by his poor perception of it's true meaning. He betrayed everyone in order to free himself of responsibilities and restraints.
This reading tells us that we have choices to make in life. These choices will pave the path towards our future. The knowledge we attain and the experiences that comes with our effort in seeking the truth leads us to accept the world around us and help us to understand that reality is part of our everyday existence.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Blog 7: "The Heroic Choices in Matrix"
In the movie Matrix, the main character Neo had to make some important choices for his life.
1. When his acquaintance invited him to join with them for the night, at first he refused to go but when he saw the white rabbit tattoo from the women' s back he made up his mind and joined them.
2. When he was caught and interogated by the agent, he chose not to tell them anything instead he asked for a phone call.
3. Morpheus called, and ask him if he want to meet up with or not. He chose to meet up with him thats when he hump in the car with trinity and the other lady.
4. Neo chose to to stay in the car and let the ladies use their initiative than to go back to highway.
5. Neo had to choose between the red pill and the blue pill. He chose the red pill.
6. He then chose to save morpheus life.
I would say that the most important decision that he made was saving morpheus life. By saving Morpheus' life he gained more confidence. His confidence encourage him to face and defeat the agent. And he developed more skills that he is capable.
1. When his acquaintance invited him to join with them for the night, at first he refused to go but when he saw the white rabbit tattoo from the women' s back he made up his mind and joined them.
2. When he was caught and interogated by the agent, he chose not to tell them anything instead he asked for a phone call.
3. Morpheus called, and ask him if he want to meet up with or not. He chose to meet up with him thats when he hump in the car with trinity and the other lady.
4. Neo chose to to stay in the car and let the ladies use their initiative than to go back to highway.
5. Neo had to choose between the red pill and the blue pill. He chose the red pill.
6. He then chose to save morpheus life.
I would say that the most important decision that he made was saving morpheus life. By saving Morpheus' life he gained more confidence. His confidence encourage him to face and defeat the agent. And he developed more skills that he is capable.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Blog 6: Response to " I Know The Truth, So Dont Bother Me With Facts"
Opinions and beliefs are an integral part of every individual.Combined with knowledge, they play a pivotal role in shaping us and helping us in our decision making. What comes in mind whenever the topic of one' s beliefs is discussed is how easily it is corrupted. The manipulation of our one' s mind through various facts is indeed possible.
An article that i read entitled "I Know The Truth, So Dont Bother Me With Facts" discussed how geniunely concievable one' s thinking may be altered. It was demonstrated through a research study done by professors at Ohio State University trying to prove "how sticky such false beliefs are and what it takes to dis abuse people of them." The study centers on the ongoing debate over a purposed planned cultural center that will feature a culinary school, an auditorium, a restaurant, a library, a fitness center, a 9/11 memorial and most importantly, a mosque. There are a lot of mixed feelings towards the building of such center especially so because the one spear heading the project is Feisal Abdul Rauf, a muslim leader who raised eyebrows when he said that American involvement in wars in the Arab world made the U.S an accessory to the terrorist attacks. In the study, researchers recruited 750 people who have knowledge of the proposed cultural center and believing at least one of the rumors about it. Their main purpose is to find out wether differentiating evidence would change their opinion. The participants were exposed to different scenarios in the study. They were presented with rebuttals, contradictory information and new evidence. Also a picture of Feisal Abdul Rauf for visual aid inorder to affect where they stand on the issue. Even with contradictory information, fewer than a third of the subjects were willing to change where they stand.
I have a life changing experience to shrae as an example regarding the topic. I always believe that a family prays together stays together. My parents raised me to believe that families stay together no matter what happens as long as they love one another and go to church every sunday. Through most of my childhood this was the case until one day my sisters told me that my parents will be divorcing. I was shocked at first to hear that news because i do not notice any changes. We still go to sunday mass, we still pray every night and im sure my parents love one another. As time pass by, im beginning to observe that my parents are always fighting. My sisters even showed me letters confirming that my parents are soon separating. Even with all these new information, i refused to believe that my parents will be divorcing. We soon moved out from my father' s house. My mother, my sisters and myself all moved to my grandmother' s house. My sisters even confronted me in saying "see, we' ve been telling you all along that mom and dad are divorcing." It was so hard for me to accept that even with the truth, i still hang onto to the idea that my parents are together.
This experience of mine further demonstrates what R. Kelly Garrett one of the assistant professor who conducted the research, was trying to prove. He noted that according to some studies, "when subject are presented with data that contradicts their beliefs, they often paradoxically respond by cleaving to their biases even more tightly."
In conclusion, Jeffrey Kluger reminded the reader that it is up to us to make our decisions and opinions when we are faced with valid facts. I strongly agree with Mr. Kluger in saying that, facts are truth and that they mean more than fantasy - it is a reality.
An article that i read entitled "I Know The Truth, So Dont Bother Me With Facts" discussed how geniunely concievable one' s thinking may be altered. It was demonstrated through a research study done by professors at Ohio State University trying to prove "how sticky such false beliefs are and what it takes to dis abuse people of them." The study centers on the ongoing debate over a purposed planned cultural center that will feature a culinary school, an auditorium, a restaurant, a library, a fitness center, a 9/11 memorial and most importantly, a mosque. There are a lot of mixed feelings towards the building of such center especially so because the one spear heading the project is Feisal Abdul Rauf, a muslim leader who raised eyebrows when he said that American involvement in wars in the Arab world made the U.S an accessory to the terrorist attacks. In the study, researchers recruited 750 people who have knowledge of the proposed cultural center and believing at least one of the rumors about it. Their main purpose is to find out wether differentiating evidence would change their opinion. The participants were exposed to different scenarios in the study. They were presented with rebuttals, contradictory information and new evidence. Also a picture of Feisal Abdul Rauf for visual aid inorder to affect where they stand on the issue. Even with contradictory information, fewer than a third of the subjects were willing to change where they stand.
I have a life changing experience to shrae as an example regarding the topic. I always believe that a family prays together stays together. My parents raised me to believe that families stay together no matter what happens as long as they love one another and go to church every sunday. Through most of my childhood this was the case until one day my sisters told me that my parents will be divorcing. I was shocked at first to hear that news because i do not notice any changes. We still go to sunday mass, we still pray every night and im sure my parents love one another. As time pass by, im beginning to observe that my parents are always fighting. My sisters even showed me letters confirming that my parents are soon separating. Even with all these new information, i refused to believe that my parents will be divorcing. We soon moved out from my father' s house. My mother, my sisters and myself all moved to my grandmother' s house. My sisters even confronted me in saying "see, we' ve been telling you all along that mom and dad are divorcing." It was so hard for me to accept that even with the truth, i still hang onto to the idea that my parents are together.
This experience of mine further demonstrates what R. Kelly Garrett one of the assistant professor who conducted the research, was trying to prove. He noted that according to some studies, "when subject are presented with data that contradicts their beliefs, they often paradoxically respond by cleaving to their biases even more tightly."
In conclusion, Jeffrey Kluger reminded the reader that it is up to us to make our decisions and opinions when we are faced with valid facts. I strongly agree with Mr. Kluger in saying that, facts are truth and that they mean more than fantasy - it is a reality.
blog 5: The Allegory of the Cave (response to comment)
Plato's Allegory of the Cave is a hypothetical scenario portrayed by a conversation between Socrates and his brother Glaucon. Socrates asks Glaucon to visualized a cave inhabited by people. These people are the prisoners of the cave. Their hands and legs are band by chains. They are also restricted in the movement of their head. All they see is the wall in front of them. Because of this restriction, their visibility is also limited. Behind the prisoners burns a fire. Between the fire and the prisoners, there are puppeteers who are casting shadows on the wall for the prisoners to see. These shadows that they see and the echoes that they hear are treated by the prisoners as part of their real world. Socrates pointed out that the prisoners view these shadows as real objects which should not be the case. He noted that prisoners would mistake appearance for reality. They don't know any better. With their limitations inside the cave, they are also limited in what they grasp as the real thing.
The conversation between Socrates and his brother continued on with the description of a prisoner climbing out of his dwelling place. As soon as he emerges out to the outside world, he was mesmerize in what he saw. It was a totally different environment. He was enlightened with everything that surrounds him. The prisoner now know what real objects are like. He now understand the difference between what he was accustom inside the cave and what is out there. The discovery of true reality hits him. He now have a clearer vision and knowledge of what is real having experienced a new found world.
Socrates further described how the prisoner was ridiculed and condemned by the others upon returning to the cave. They do not understand what he has experienced outside. The other prisoners are confined to the fact as to say that any beliefs outside the boundaries of the cave are considered unethical. No matter how hard the other prisoner tried lead them into thinking otherwise, they resist of knowing what is the truth. They refused to believe that they are indeed living in an imaginary world - a world full of illusions.
In my opinion, the " The Allegory of the Cave" represents the road one travels through his/her experiences and changes to accept the world around us and to better understand reality and how it plays an important part in our existence.
The conversation between Socrates and his brother continued on with the description of a prisoner climbing out of his dwelling place. As soon as he emerges out to the outside world, he was mesmerize in what he saw. It was a totally different environment. He was enlightened with everything that surrounds him. The prisoner now know what real objects are like. He now understand the difference between what he was accustom inside the cave and what is out there. The discovery of true reality hits him. He now have a clearer vision and knowledge of what is real having experienced a new found world.
Socrates further described how the prisoner was ridiculed and condemned by the others upon returning to the cave. They do not understand what he has experienced outside. The other prisoners are confined to the fact as to say that any beliefs outside the boundaries of the cave are considered unethical. No matter how hard the other prisoner tried lead them into thinking otherwise, they resist of knowing what is the truth. They refused to believe that they are indeed living in an imaginary world - a world full of illusions.
In my opinion, the " The Allegory of the Cave" represents the road one travels through his/her experiences and changes to accept the world around us and to better understand reality and how it plays an important part in our existence.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Blog 4: The Allegory of the Cave
Plato's Allegory of the Cave is a hypothetical scenario portrayed by a conversation between Socrates and his brother Glaucon. Socrates asks Glaucon to visualized a cave inhabited by people. These people are the prisoners of the cave. Their hands and legs are band by chains. They are also restricted in the movement of their head. All they see is the wall in front of them. Because of this restriction, their visibility is also limited. Behind the prisoners burns a fire. Between the fire and the prisoners, there are puppeteers who are casting shadows on the wall for the prisoners to see. These shadows that they see and the echoes that they hear are treated by the prisoners as part of their real world. Socrates pointed out that the prisoners view these shadows as real objects which should not be the case. He noted that prisoners would mistake appearance for reality. They don't know any better. With their limitations inside the cave, they are also limited in what they grasp as the real thing.
The conversation between Socrates and his brother continued on with the description of a prisoner climbing out of his dwelling place. As soon as he emerges out to the outside world, he was mesmerize in what he saw. It was a totally different environment. He was enlightened with everything that surrounds him. The prisoner now know what real objects are like. He now understand the difference between what he was accustom inside the cave and what is out there. The discovery of true reality hits him. He now have a clearer vision and knowledge of what is real having experienced a new found world.
Socrates further described how the prisoner was ridiculed and condemned by the others upon returning to the cave. They do not understand what he has experienced outside. The other prisoners are confined to the fact as to say that any beliefs outside the boundaries of the cave are considered unethical. No matter how hard the other prisoner tried lead them into thinking otherwise, they resist of knowing what is the truth. They refused to believe that they are indeed living in an imaginary world - a world full of illusions.
In my opinion, the " The Allegory of the Cave" represents the road one travels through his/her experiences and changes to accept the world around us and to better understand reality and how it plays an important part in our existence.
The conversation between Socrates and his brother continued on with the description of a prisoner climbing out of his dwelling place. As soon as he emerges out to the outside world, he was mesmerize in what he saw. It was a totally different environment. He was enlightened with everything that surrounds him. The prisoner now know what real objects are like. He now understand the difference between what he was accustom inside the cave and what is out there. The discovery of true reality hits him. He now have a clearer vision and knowledge of what is real having experienced a new found world.
Socrates further described how the prisoner was ridiculed and condemned by the others upon returning to the cave. They do not understand what he has experienced outside. The other prisoners are confined to the fact as to say that any beliefs outside the boundaries of the cave are considered unethical. No matter how hard the other prisoner tried lead them into thinking otherwise, they resist of knowing what is the truth. They refused to believe that they are indeed living in an imaginary world - a world full of illusions.
In my opinion, the " The Allegory of the Cave" represents the road one travels through his/her experiences and changes to accept the world around us and to better understand reality and how it plays an important part in our existence.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Blog 3: "I Know The Truth, So Don' t Bother Me With Facts"
"Humans are long been dupes, easily gulled by rumors and flat out lies." This statement from Jeffrey Kluger' s article tittled " I know the truth, So don' t bother me with facts" is very true. It was clearly demonstrated through a study done by researchers at Ohio State University. They wanted to prove "how sticky such false beliefs are and what it takes to disabuse people of them."
The study centers on the ongoing debate over a proposed planned cultural center that will feature a culinary school, an auditorium, a restaurant, a library, a fitness center, a 9/11 memorial and most importantlly a mosque. There are a lot of mixed feelings towards the building of such center specially so because the one spear heading the project is Feisal Abdul Rauf, a muslim leader who raised eyebrows when he said that american involvement in wars in the arab world made the U.S. an accesory to the terrorist attack.
In the new study, researchers recruited 750 people who have knowledge of the proposed cultural center and believing at least one of the rumors about it. Their main purpose is to find out wether differentiating evidence would change their opinion.
The research starts of with all of the participants reading a written rebuttals of the rumors provided by Pulitzer Price winner St. Petersburg Time' s Politifact and Annenberg Public Policy Center' s FactCheck.org. But even after reading the material only 28 percent of the participants shunned the rumors compared to 35 percent who at least recognized that ther was some weight to the new facts.
More so , different scenarious conclude the studies. The subject were also shown a picture of Feisal Abdul Rauf alongside peolple in western style clothing. It was deemed that the participants "were likelier to reject the rumors than people who merely read the rebuttals." Garrett concluded that the picture "provided visual corroboration for the idea that Rauf is an american, just like the rest of us."
In contrast, the subjects who read the rebuttals and were shown the picture of Feisal Abdul Rauf in the midst of people wearing arab style dress "were less likely to reject the rumors." It is also true for the participants who read the rebuttals, and knew of Rauf' s insinuation that america is partially responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
According to the study even with contradictory information, fewer than a third of the subject were willing to change where they stand on the issue. Researchers concluded that due to insinuating pictures or inflammatory quotes, the subjects opinion were easily compromised.
"R. Kelly Garrett, one of the assistant professor who conducted the research further added that according to some studies, when subject are presented with data that contradicts their beliefs, they often paraduxically respond by clearing to their biases even mere tightly." It is simply saying that ego got in the way. More so, some researches are trying to see how the pre-frontal cortex, the seat of reason, and the amygdala. The seat of fear and other primal emotions, reacts in such situations.
In conclusion, Jeffrey Kluger reminded the readers that it is up to us to make our decisions and opinions when we are faced with valid facts. He proceeded in saying "we may not always agree on what those facts mean, but at a minimum we need to agree that they mean more than fantasy."
The study centers on the ongoing debate over a proposed planned cultural center that will feature a culinary school, an auditorium, a restaurant, a library, a fitness center, a 9/11 memorial and most importantlly a mosque. There are a lot of mixed feelings towards the building of such center specially so because the one spear heading the project is Feisal Abdul Rauf, a muslim leader who raised eyebrows when he said that american involvement in wars in the arab world made the U.S. an accesory to the terrorist attack.
In the new study, researchers recruited 750 people who have knowledge of the proposed cultural center and believing at least one of the rumors about it. Their main purpose is to find out wether differentiating evidence would change their opinion.
The research starts of with all of the participants reading a written rebuttals of the rumors provided by Pulitzer Price winner St. Petersburg Time' s Politifact and Annenberg Public Policy Center' s FactCheck.org. But even after reading the material only 28 percent of the participants shunned the rumors compared to 35 percent who at least recognized that ther was some weight to the new facts.
More so , different scenarious conclude the studies. The subject were also shown a picture of Feisal Abdul Rauf alongside peolple in western style clothing. It was deemed that the participants "were likelier to reject the rumors than people who merely read the rebuttals." Garrett concluded that the picture "provided visual corroboration for the idea that Rauf is an american, just like the rest of us."
In contrast, the subjects who read the rebuttals and were shown the picture of Feisal Abdul Rauf in the midst of people wearing arab style dress "were less likely to reject the rumors." It is also true for the participants who read the rebuttals, and knew of Rauf' s insinuation that america is partially responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
According to the study even with contradictory information, fewer than a third of the subject were willing to change where they stand on the issue. Researchers concluded that due to insinuating pictures or inflammatory quotes, the subjects opinion were easily compromised.
"R. Kelly Garrett, one of the assistant professor who conducted the research further added that according to some studies, when subject are presented with data that contradicts their beliefs, they often paraduxically respond by clearing to their biases even mere tightly." It is simply saying that ego got in the way. More so, some researches are trying to see how the pre-frontal cortex, the seat of reason, and the amygdala. The seat of fear and other primal emotions, reacts in such situations.
In conclusion, Jeffrey Kluger reminded the readers that it is up to us to make our decisions and opinions when we are faced with valid facts. He proceeded in saying "we may not always agree on what those facts mean, but at a minimum we need to agree that they mean more than fantasy."
Friday, March 11, 2011
blog 2: "HYPE"
Time has definitely changed wether we like it or not. We are living in a different time now. Our everyday life is now compounded with a lot of changes. Break throughs in technology, fashion sense and way of life to name a few.
One particulaar changes that i would like to discuss is the rise of advertisement. This was possible because of many reasons but mainly because of the advancement in technology.
According to the reading tittled "HYPE", "from the moment your alarm sounds in the morning to the wee hours of the late night TV, commercial pollution floods your brain at the rate of about three thousand marketing messages per day. Everyday an estimated 12 billion display ads, 3 million radio commercials, and more than 200,000 TV commercials are dumped into North America' s collective unconcious." The passage is very true. We are very much exposed to commercial advertisements every single day. From the moment we take our first sip of coffee in the morning until we turn off the TV at night, we are constantly seeing and hearing advertisements. We may not realize it but if we look closer, everything we touch reminds us of what product we are using. Our coffee cups are filled with logo and product information. How many commercials are shown while watching our favorite show on TV? We used to see all these product messages only in billboards, buses and stadiums. Now, they are everywhere. One cannot help but notice the beautiful scrolling ads at buses stops. More so, cars and SUV' s are adorned with stock on paint jobs for some new company. Even at the beach, private planes fly across the sky with banners featuring some premium beer.
Phone lines are even marketed to have advertisements in them. Cellular phones are targeted to have a lot of product messages. With the internet readily available in your handheld devive, the explosion of advertisement flashes before your eyes.
No one can really escape the many million ads we encounter. It is now in conclusion that i say that advertisements are now part of our everyday existence.
One particulaar changes that i would like to discuss is the rise of advertisement. This was possible because of many reasons but mainly because of the advancement in technology.
According to the reading tittled "HYPE", "from the moment your alarm sounds in the morning to the wee hours of the late night TV, commercial pollution floods your brain at the rate of about three thousand marketing messages per day. Everyday an estimated 12 billion display ads, 3 million radio commercials, and more than 200,000 TV commercials are dumped into North America' s collective unconcious." The passage is very true. We are very much exposed to commercial advertisements every single day. From the moment we take our first sip of coffee in the morning until we turn off the TV at night, we are constantly seeing and hearing advertisements. We may not realize it but if we look closer, everything we touch reminds us of what product we are using. Our coffee cups are filled with logo and product information. How many commercials are shown while watching our favorite show on TV? We used to see all these product messages only in billboards, buses and stadiums. Now, they are everywhere. One cannot help but notice the beautiful scrolling ads at buses stops. More so, cars and SUV' s are adorned with stock on paint jobs for some new company. Even at the beach, private planes fly across the sky with banners featuring some premium beer.
Phone lines are even marketed to have advertisements in them. Cellular phones are targeted to have a lot of product messages. With the internet readily available in your handheld devive, the explosion of advertisement flashes before your eyes.
No one can really escape the many million ads we encounter. It is now in conclusion that i say that advertisements are now part of our everyday existence.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Blog 1: "How to do one thing at a time"
The passage from Womens Health Magazine "How to do one thing at a time", is an article about multi-taskers and single-takers. According to the experiment of the group from Stanford University, single-tasker performed better tasks than multi-taskers.
I believe that multi-tasking and single-tasking have both advantages and disadvantages. As we go to the website to look for jobs or cl;assified adds of the news paper, companies that are hiring are always searching for a multi-tasker. One advantage of the multi-taskers is having some extra time for their own intersts. By finishing all tasks or more than one tasks at the same time is equal to gaining free time. A multi-tasker could do paper works, filing, preparing some out going mails, answer 2 to 3 lines of telephone calls and face booking at the same time. By performing all these tasks at the same time, i don' t even think that they could remember to double check all the tasks that have been done. To sum it up, sometimes multi-taskers are not aware of their own error and mistakes while performing the compiled tasks. It is because their brain and attention is not focusing on one thing only. Not being focus on one thing is one of the disadvantages of multi-tasking. On the other hand, single tasker could perform well tasks by devoting their own time and focusing on one single task at a certain time.
There are some instances in our lives that we are multi-tasking. Like walking or running to the bus station while on the cell phone or washing the dishes while cooking. As i was typing my resume, i reached for my cup of coffee, at the same time my cell phone rang. I answered the call and placed my cell phone in between my neck and shoulder. While i was talking on the phone i decided to sip some coffee while my left hand was typing, i took a sip of my coffee and my cell phone slide down to the floor from my shoulder. And my cell phone broke in to pieces.
Therefore i conclude that focusing on one thing at a time could make athe task easier and certain.
I believe that multi-tasking and single-tasking have both advantages and disadvantages. As we go to the website to look for jobs or cl;assified adds of the news paper, companies that are hiring are always searching for a multi-tasker. One advantage of the multi-taskers is having some extra time for their own intersts. By finishing all tasks or more than one tasks at the same time is equal to gaining free time. A multi-tasker could do paper works, filing, preparing some out going mails, answer 2 to 3 lines of telephone calls and face booking at the same time. By performing all these tasks at the same time, i don' t even think that they could remember to double check all the tasks that have been done. To sum it up, sometimes multi-taskers are not aware of their own error and mistakes while performing the compiled tasks. It is because their brain and attention is not focusing on one thing only. Not being focus on one thing is one of the disadvantages of multi-tasking. On the other hand, single tasker could perform well tasks by devoting their own time and focusing on one single task at a certain time.
There are some instances in our lives that we are multi-tasking. Like walking or running to the bus station while on the cell phone or washing the dishes while cooking. As i was typing my resume, i reached for my cup of coffee, at the same time my cell phone rang. I answered the call and placed my cell phone in between my neck and shoulder. While i was talking on the phone i decided to sip some coffee while my left hand was typing, i took a sip of my coffee and my cell phone slide down to the floor from my shoulder. And my cell phone broke in to pieces.
Therefore i conclude that focusing on one thing at a time could make athe task easier and certain.
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