"chewing...20 minutes after eating, stimulates saliva flow, which helps to prevent cavities by reducing plaque acids and strengthening teeth."
3.27.2011
TIL:
The ADA (American Dental Association) notes that there are gum products that can be touted as cavity preventing because:
"chewing...20 minutes after eating, stimulates saliva flow, which helps to prevent cavities by reducing plaque acids and strengthening teeth."
"chewing...20 minutes after eating, stimulates saliva flow, which helps to prevent cavities by reducing plaque acids and strengthening teeth."
3.26.2011
Whoa sleep-deprivation-induced-Epiphany
Prepositions.
An English staple. It's definitely a cog in the machine that is English grammar that I appreciate. Some things, I do not: British versus American spelling. I, for one, do not need the extra "u" in color. I suppose that's another distinguishing factor of my nationality asides from the obvious: citizenship, accent, nomenclature of common items(LINK).
Back to prepositions.
In grade school, my wholesome education used a generic tree to exemplify the wonders of the preposition. Now, as a free-thinking adult (or something like that), I've stumbled upon an epiphany.
Most prepositions can be applied to anything/anyone in relation to another anything/anyone.
Like people! Until you arrive at certain specific details. Such as biological mechanics...
Some applicable, common prepositions:
Around
Behind
Above
Beneath
Inside
Concerning
Following
Near
Through
Toward
With
Outside
Gender exceptions:
Inside...
An English staple. It's definitely a cog in the machine that is English grammar that I appreciate. Some things, I do not: British versus American spelling. I, for one, do not need the extra "u" in color. I suppose that's another distinguishing factor of my nationality asides from the obvious: citizenship, accent, nomenclature of common items(LINK).
Back to prepositions.
In grade school, my wholesome education used a generic tree to exemplify the wonders of the preposition. Now, as a free-thinking adult (or something like that), I've stumbled upon an epiphany.
Most prepositions can be applied to anything/anyone in relation to another anything/anyone.
Like people! Until you arrive at certain specific details. Such as biological mechanics...
Some applicable, common prepositions:
Around
Behind
Above
Beneath
Inside
Concerning
Following
Near
Through
Toward
With
Outside
Gender exceptions:
Inside...
1.02.2011
Hello 2011. What can you do for me?
As it does year after year, the eve and the 1st have come and gone. New Year's Eve, one of the only nights in the year when drunken debauchery is expected; a night full of expectations; a night riddled with reflections and projections. Then of course, New Year's Day: that second-born twin that gets its spotlights stolen. The lesser remembered day of the occasion; filled with inquiries of new hopes and resolutions.
Resolution: that thing people try to do to make themselves "start the New Year off right"; also that thing that rarely comes to fruition.
I've given up putting stock in new year resolutions. First of all, they're rarely formulated as goals: an actual goal containing metrics, milestones, reward system, consequences etc.
For some reason, the oncoming and arrival of 2011 has been anticlimactic. Quite frankly, 2011 and I have yet to become friends; I'm giving it the cold shoulder. I wouldn't call it separation anxiety from 2010; it was just okay. There isn't much to look forward to in 2011.
If anything, a new year resolution lends itself to a look-forward into the year; allows one to project a purpose. However, I do have a hard time understanding why there is so much significance to a change in number. Unless you deal in the financial industry, what big difference does it make? It's hardly a tabula rasa start to anything.
Resolution: that thing people try to do to make themselves "start the New Year off right"; also that thing that rarely comes to fruition.
I've given up putting stock in new year resolutions. First of all, they're rarely formulated as goals: an actual goal containing metrics, milestones, reward system, consequences etc.
For some reason, the oncoming and arrival of 2011 has been anticlimactic. Quite frankly, 2011 and I have yet to become friends; I'm giving it the cold shoulder. I wouldn't call it separation anxiety from 2010; it was just okay. There isn't much to look forward to in 2011.
If anything, a new year resolution lends itself to a look-forward into the year; allows one to project a purpose. However, I do have a hard time understanding why there is so much significance to a change in number. Unless you deal in the financial industry, what big difference does it make? It's hardly a tabula rasa start to anything.
12.25.2010
A present
It's Christmas, and on the note of a somewhat momentous time of year, I feel something akin to a tug of obligation to post an arbitrary ramble.
To be honest, I've been a scrooge for most of the day. Let's just say the "holidays" paint a different picture for me than for a good many. So I've allowed the majority of the day to slip away and fade into the anonymity that is most of the other 360ish days in a year. However, here is my redeeming moment!
Tonight, I've stumbled upon a file of coveted quotes from one of my all-time favorite reads. If you ever find yourself in conversation with me over books, this title will be revealed to you: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Pick up a copy, and thank me later.
Roberts and his almost divine way with words will charm you. Not with his perfect instinct for the rhythm and flow of his writing; not with his ability to completely entrance and enfold you into this story-telling; but with the pure wisdom he writes with. This is a wisdom gained through life. A life full and filled with pain, loss, love, you name it...this man has lived. He's lived probably two more lifetimes than I'll ever have the chance to experience.
If you want to feel and be floored by the moments of clarity stumbled upon through literature, read this book. **PS - try to purchase the more colorful cover (click on the link); it's worth it
To be honest, I've been a scrooge for most of the day. Let's just say the "holidays" paint a different picture for me than for a good many. So I've allowed the majority of the day to slip away and fade into the anonymity that is most of the other 360ish days in a year. However, here is my redeeming moment!
Tonight, I've stumbled upon a file of coveted quotes from one of my all-time favorite reads. If you ever find yourself in conversation with me over books, this title will be revealed to you: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. Pick up a copy, and thank me later.
Roberts and his almost divine way with words will charm you. Not with his perfect instinct for the rhythm and flow of his writing; not with his ability to completely entrance and enfold you into this story-telling; but with the pure wisdom he writes with. This is a wisdom gained through life. A life full and filled with pain, loss, love, you name it...this man has lived. He's lived probably two more lifetimes than I'll ever have the chance to experience.
If you want to feel and be floored by the moments of clarity stumbled upon through literature, read this book. **PS - try to purchase the more colorful cover (click on the link); it's worth it
11.25.2010
The Update
To my alienated readers and the stumblers-on: Happy Thanksgiving from the coasts of...America, to put it easily. A post meant for a simple catch-up from my last post, a mere eight months ago, is about to careen into a ditch of a jaded poli-ticked mind. Perhaps for a later "update."
Veering back to today's chosen path:
A quick reflection of the past eight months brings to realization of a rather tedious list of happenings to detail and share. Perhaps an outline format? No, I'd be depriving what little compositional motivation I'm currently reveling in; I wouldn't want to deprive myself of that. So to first explain this lack of motivation, one must understand the avenue which now commands my words and thoughts; work, perhaps the one thing that legitimizes "employment" (AKA adulthood). The culprit: Emails mostly. A demanding, fervent need from a virtual box, whether accessible or not, every now and then tickles me; I must diligently tend to and monitor, least it wither and implode on my watch. My corporate jugular beats strong, and at times it's dangerously simple and easy to immerse one's self into the deigned noble cause of whichever corporate entity one happens to resign oneself to. In all fairness, I continue to enjoy my work-laden self. The challenges keep me...well, challenged, and the landscape of my weeks constantly change. The travel helps, but no need to expound on this note: trust me, I go nowhere exciting.
On a more personal note: weddings, marriage, love and all things eternal and beautiful was a rather gargantuan theme these past few months. My involvement: purely as an attendant and observer; however, I did catch at least one bouquet. So...updates later? An exuberant shout-out to the lovely Katheryn Hawkins Salazar, Jerri Ann Jacob Yeh and to my sister Diana Shen Meek. In an attempt to not submit to my instinct for contemptuous, snide remarks in the face of all things love-related and eternal: I declare my well wishes, as sincere and genuine as any wish I've wished.
Without mention, everyone should know that a fall without note of NCAA football is a fall with a gap that needs filling; however, I shall bypass this notice and leave it fairly unspoken of: in hopes of a more redeeming season next year.
So I'm losing whatever steam I had at the start of this post. The major bullet points have been noted. The undertow to any productive year is (and was) ever present in 2010. Friends gained. Life lessons tripped over and internalized. Old friendships strengthened and cherished.
In spirit of the holiday, albeit almost an entirely commercial one, it is important to give thanks. A convenient yet shameful thing to do: to take things for granted in life. Especially things one allows one to feel entitlement towards. There are very few things in life that a single being has the right to; these nature dictates and after that, society oft decrees what counts and what does not. Speaking on a personal level, we (the people) have an ugly habit of feeling entitled to the simplest of things; things that make quite a difference when gone and lost. Every now and then (not just on Thanksgiving), consider what's more worth your time: an hour given to commercials and a TV program or time given to catching up with a friend. I know that I am a forever evolving form shaped by my experiences and memories, the life lessons learned from those experiences and the people who inspire me to laugh, cry, hate, ponder, try new things, be myself.
So thank you people.
Veering back to today's chosen path:
A quick reflection of the past eight months brings to realization of a rather tedious list of happenings to detail and share. Perhaps an outline format? No, I'd be depriving what little compositional motivation I'm currently reveling in; I wouldn't want to deprive myself of that. So to first explain this lack of motivation, one must understand the avenue which now commands my words and thoughts; work, perhaps the one thing that legitimizes "employment" (AKA adulthood). The culprit: Emails mostly. A demanding, fervent need from a virtual box, whether accessible or not, every now and then tickles me; I must diligently tend to and monitor, least it wither and implode on my watch. My corporate jugular beats strong, and at times it's dangerously simple and easy to immerse one's self into the deigned noble cause of whichever corporate entity one happens to resign oneself to. In all fairness, I continue to enjoy my work-laden self. The challenges keep me...well, challenged, and the landscape of my weeks constantly change. The travel helps, but no need to expound on this note: trust me, I go nowhere exciting.
On a more personal note: weddings, marriage, love and all things eternal and beautiful was a rather gargantuan theme these past few months. My involvement: purely as an attendant and observer; however, I did catch at least one bouquet. So...updates later? An exuberant shout-out to the lovely Katheryn Hawkins Salazar, Jerri Ann Jacob Yeh and to my sister Diana Shen Meek. In an attempt to not submit to my instinct for contemptuous, snide remarks in the face of all things love-related and eternal: I declare my well wishes, as sincere and genuine as any wish I've wished.
Without mention, everyone should know that a fall without note of NCAA football is a fall with a gap that needs filling; however, I shall bypass this notice and leave it fairly unspoken of: in hopes of a more redeeming season next year.
So I'm losing whatever steam I had at the start of this post. The major bullet points have been noted. The undertow to any productive year is (and was) ever present in 2010. Friends gained. Life lessons tripped over and internalized. Old friendships strengthened and cherished.
In spirit of the holiday, albeit almost an entirely commercial one, it is important to give thanks. A convenient yet shameful thing to do: to take things for granted in life. Especially things one allows one to feel entitlement towards. There are very few things in life that a single being has the right to; these nature dictates and after that, society oft decrees what counts and what does not. Speaking on a personal level, we (the people) have an ugly habit of feeling entitled to the simplest of things; things that make quite a difference when gone and lost. Every now and then (not just on Thanksgiving), consider what's more worth your time: an hour given to commercials and a TV program or time given to catching up with a friend. I know that I am a forever evolving form shaped by my experiences and memories, the life lessons learned from those experiences and the people who inspire me to laugh, cry, hate, ponder, try new things, be myself.
So thank you people.
3.17.2010
Where there's demand; there shall be supply!
Not quite a revolutionary call, but it certainly gives this post a running start:
Last summer guided by culinary guru, Jessica Lin, I became entranced by the French macaron. As French as any other French pastry, the macaron remains elusive to the American palate; with its precise measurements and instructions, the macaron's recipe proves to be more of a challenge than most bakeries are willing to handle. Elaborate and excessive in its all-too-complex directions, the process sets itself within thin margin of an art process. Magnificent in it's construction and thrilling in its versatility to embody flavors and colors, the macaron is by no question, French.
Kansas City is not France. Texas at least has a Paris. Missouri is sorely lacking of most thing Parisian. Not to be dampened by the lack of spirit, in true revolution fashion, I joined forces with a seasoned baker and fellow cohort, Sarah Connole. Last Saturday, a true enlightenment blossomed in a humble Missourian kitchen: with a harrowing leap and ferocious battle cry, a near-perfect macaron was born out of a noble quest.
O yes, thanks to Food and Wine mag, issue Dec 09'. Without the published recipe, we would've had to do conversions...not cool.
3.13.2010
A Translation
I've lost the original train of thought, but I suppose the train is rarely the interesting part. The meaty part.
This may be life changing. I haven't experimented with it yet, so there's no telling. However, there's that feeling; the one that tells you, "you're on to something."
I'm returning to economics. I posted a somewhat related post two months ago. That one was theoretic, of no consequence. This one, I'll let you guys decide.
||Concept 1:
Money: a bill, a coin, is a form of value. A dollar bill, a twenty is but a piece of paper. A coin is but...a coin. Remember Pogs? The game revolved around trades. A game of barter, a game of economics and values, it taught you what individuals valued, and what that meant for your game, your strategy. Slammers are worth more than your average pog. Some people took liking to particular styles, colors, pictures, themes.
Specific items hold varying values for each individual, because each individual's sense of value and worth is not inherent; it's learned, and everyone's experiences are different.
||Concept 2:
This part may be per opinion, so I think: for the average human being, the world's most limited resource is time. And almost everyone has a concept of how much their time is worth. You weigh it by deciding what to do with your time; you weigh it by deciding how much you're to be paid for a profession: a set of skill(s) and time utilized for the operations of another entity's gain.
||The Why Question:
If the ultimate limited resource is time, and as a consumer, currency is the translation of that resource for purchases in return for a good or service, then why is time not the primary metric for value instead of money? A dollar amount is but the translation of what you're actually expending for your purchase.
||The What Question:
Is time a better method of measuring how much something costs than money? Currency is but a translation of the time spent to earn the money. If the time spent to earn money was the primary metric used to understand what a good or service is actually costing a person, would people have a better understanding of how much something is costing him/her?
||The Example:
The consumer, Average Suzy, is paid $10/hour. She works 40 hours a week (for this example, we'll simplify and ignore taxes). Average Suzy pays $100 a month for her cable plan. She can't live without her programming. With her wage, Average Suzy must work 10 hours a month in order to pay for her cable. Of course, since the utilization of cable tv can be measured in time spent watching television; it's easy to say that Average Suzy gets her money's worth if she watches more than 10 hours of programming each month. That doesn't sound too hard, but what if it was something else like a pair of jeans? How do you compare the worth of an article of clothing to the worth of the time you spent working for that equivalent dollar amount?
Let's do some more math: For this example, there are 4 weeks in a month. In a month, Average Suzy works 160 hours total. Out of all that, 10 hours are spent purely for the reason of being able to watch cable television. In other words, 6.25% of her work month is utilized to pay for this good. This number may seem inconsequential, and it'll come down to your sense of value of 10 hours as compared to the value of a month's worth of televised programming.
Consider how much time it would cost to buy a car. When measured using time instead of currency, would the valued difference between a decent car and a luxury car be worth it? If the difference is priced at $5,000.00. That's 500 hours of work for Average Suzy. That difference calculates to a little over three months time at work for Average Suzy. By the way, that's not the cost of the car, that's just the hypothetical price difference between two cars. Of course, people usually take years to pay off a car, but time is time. It's the world's scarcest, most limited resource. You don't get any more of it than you do. The worst part is that no one knows how much of it you get.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
So does it make a difference? This translation.
If anyone can answer my questions, please do.
This may be life changing. I haven't experimented with it yet, so there's no telling. However, there's that feeling; the one that tells you, "you're on to something."
I'm returning to economics. I posted a somewhat related post two months ago. That one was theoretic, of no consequence. This one, I'll let you guys decide.
||Concept 1:
Money: a bill, a coin, is a form of value. A dollar bill, a twenty is but a piece of paper. A coin is but...a coin. Remember Pogs? The game revolved around trades. A game of barter, a game of economics and values, it taught you what individuals valued, and what that meant for your game, your strategy. Slammers are worth more than your average pog. Some people took liking to particular styles, colors, pictures, themes.
Specific items hold varying values for each individual, because each individual's sense of value and worth is not inherent; it's learned, and everyone's experiences are different.
||Concept 2:
This part may be per opinion, so I think: for the average human being, the world's most limited resource is time. And almost everyone has a concept of how much their time is worth. You weigh it by deciding what to do with your time; you weigh it by deciding how much you're to be paid for a profession: a set of skill(s) and time utilized for the operations of another entity's gain.
||The Why Question:
If the ultimate limited resource is time, and as a consumer, currency is the translation of that resource for purchases in return for a good or service, then why is time not the primary metric for value instead of money? A dollar amount is but the translation of what you're actually expending for your purchase.
||The What Question:
Is time a better method of measuring how much something costs than money? Currency is but a translation of the time spent to earn the money. If the time spent to earn money was the primary metric used to understand what a good or service is actually costing a person, would people have a better understanding of how much something is costing him/her?
||The Example:
The consumer, Average Suzy, is paid $10/hour. She works 40 hours a week (for this example, we'll simplify and ignore taxes). Average Suzy pays $100 a month for her cable plan. She can't live without her programming. With her wage, Average Suzy must work 10 hours a month in order to pay for her cable. Of course, since the utilization of cable tv can be measured in time spent watching television; it's easy to say that Average Suzy gets her money's worth if she watches more than 10 hours of programming each month. That doesn't sound too hard, but what if it was something else like a pair of jeans? How do you compare the worth of an article of clothing to the worth of the time you spent working for that equivalent dollar amount?
Let's do some more math: For this example, there are 4 weeks in a month. In a month, Average Suzy works 160 hours total. Out of all that, 10 hours are spent purely for the reason of being able to watch cable television. In other words, 6.25% of her work month is utilized to pay for this good. This number may seem inconsequential, and it'll come down to your sense of value of 10 hours as compared to the value of a month's worth of televised programming.
Consider how much time it would cost to buy a car. When measured using time instead of currency, would the valued difference between a decent car and a luxury car be worth it? If the difference is priced at $5,000.00. That's 500 hours of work for Average Suzy. That difference calculates to a little over three months time at work for Average Suzy. By the way, that's not the cost of the car, that's just the hypothetical price difference between two cars. Of course, people usually take years to pay off a car, but time is time. It's the world's scarcest, most limited resource. You don't get any more of it than you do. The worst part is that no one knows how much of it you get.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
So does it make a difference? This translation.
If anyone can answer my questions, please do.
3.11.2010
Channeling all Austinites
Having yet the ability to call myself a survivor of a Mid-Western winter, I continuously taunt and torture myself, checking Austin's weather & reading the Austin Sub-Reddit. I'm a masochist.
Also, the Mid-Western winter is a cruel beast. We've finally crawled out of the wasteland that is 30 and below temperatures. Who knew people could survive -11 degree weather. Seriously though, I'm not made to live in these conditions. This really wasn't detailed out in the relocation package. So we're idling in the 50s right now; however people don't seem anymore hopeful and light-hearted. Probably because the sun hasn't returned from its ever-too-long hiatus. Winter's wear is starting to show. We've fought the good fight, and we're tired. The temperature's become more bearable, but our spirits have already been muted. It's a dreary picture; this one I paint. Now we wait. Toleration holds us steady. Hope keeps us waiting. When will this ever end!?
In actuality, I write not to gripe; the carefully veiled purpose of this post resides in this link.
Also, the Mid-Western winter is a cruel beast. We've finally crawled out of the wasteland that is 30 and below temperatures. Who knew people could survive -11 degree weather. Seriously though, I'm not made to live in these conditions. This really wasn't detailed out in the relocation package. So we're idling in the 50s right now; however people don't seem anymore hopeful and light-hearted. Probably because the sun hasn't returned from its ever-too-long hiatus. Winter's wear is starting to show. We've fought the good fight, and we're tired. The temperature's become more bearable, but our spirits have already been muted. It's a dreary picture; this one I paint. Now we wait. Toleration holds us steady. Hope keeps us waiting. When will this ever end!?
In actuality, I write not to gripe; the carefully veiled purpose of this post resides in this link.
3.02.2010
iMeme Back Story
The quiz below was created for a "weekly work quiz." It was not met with the grand enthusiasm I was expecting. For me, these memes hold cherished memories of laughter. I thought I'd share and challenge any and all who dare.
So far, the high score goes to Clay Rogers (Co-worker) with 85%.
So far, the high score goes to Clay Rogers (Co-worker) with 85%.
2.17.2010
A Tribute to Taste Buds
I didn't know Roger Ebert started battling cancer in 2002 .
His words haven't stopped. His voice continues to reverberate. His readers still look to his words for guidance.
Ebert's jaw is gone and cannot remember what he last tasted, what he last spoke. Read the article.
An incredible realization, how much of my day is devoted to the tastes I reminisce of and the tastes I'm looking forward to, I think life would be a little dimmer if flavors and textures eluded my tongue.
My foray into the culinary world has been more than limited up until these past few months. Expeditions that start in the markets and grocery stores do end up more than often successful in the confines of my spartan kitchen, but the excitement of future adventures has not yet waned. The next mission may have to be Korean jigae (soup). Having moved to Kansas City, MO from Austin, TX, I do miss the variety and diversity of dining options. Perhaps this is what's spurring my newfound culinary independence. Regardless, I must find a source for Korean supplies. I've found kimchee, but I still need the right chili, tofu and stone bowls. There's nothing quite like the bits of crunchy rice you get from the bottom of a stone bowl. Friend and former co-worker Stephen Liao is wandering into KC for some excitement KC-styled, this probably means lots of BBQ. Perhaps I can convince him to accompany me on this one.
Next, I plan on assisting Ms. Sarah Connole on her quest to master the venerable French macaron. I'll be her forever devoted fan if she pulls this one off. I'm already dreaming of all the flavors and colors these little treasures will (hopefully) embody. MMmmm
His words haven't stopped. His voice continues to reverberate. His readers still look to his words for guidance.
Ebert's jaw is gone and cannot remember what he last tasted, what he last spoke. Read the article.
An incredible realization, how much of my day is devoted to the tastes I reminisce of and the tastes I'm looking forward to, I think life would be a little dimmer if flavors and textures eluded my tongue.
My foray into the culinary world has been more than limited up until these past few months. Expeditions that start in the markets and grocery stores do end up more than often successful in the confines of my spartan kitchen, but the excitement of future adventures has not yet waned. The next mission may have to be Korean jigae (soup). Having moved to Kansas City, MO from Austin, TX, I do miss the variety and diversity of dining options. Perhaps this is what's spurring my newfound culinary independence. Regardless, I must find a source for Korean supplies. I've found kimchee, but I still need the right chili, tofu and stone bowls. There's nothing quite like the bits of crunchy rice you get from the bottom of a stone bowl. Friend and former co-worker Stephen Liao is wandering into KC for some excitement KC-styled, this probably means lots of BBQ. Perhaps I can convince him to accompany me on this one.
Next, I plan on assisting Ms. Sarah Connole on her quest to master the venerable French macaron. I'll be her forever devoted fan if she pulls this one off. I'm already dreaming of all the flavors and colors these little treasures will (hopefully) embody. MMmmm
1.31.2010
Crazy Thought needs attention.
What if there was a show called: America's Next Top Ninja?
I'd watch that.
I'd watch that.
O Democracy.
Capitol Hill is at odds, and it has been for some time. Our Legislature represents us, the people, but yet has no idea who we are. Politicians are more or less born and bred nowadays; they aren't the average American, you and me. Is that where the problem lies? Has Capitol Hill become so out of touch with the mission intended for them by our founding fathers? They've become so entrenched in the anxieties and demons of popularity, of re-elections, of appearances and legacy and party affiliations.
Finger pointing is easy. Politicians aren't elected to make changes; they're elected to bring our voices to the public forum, to make the changes WE vote for. So the question now is: how have we let Congress float away from us? They fret over their seats, their positions and their re-elections, because their constituents decide if they get to stay. They get on their soap boxes and rally with their catch phrases and shiny resumes, so that we may ensure their status quo.
Our power, the power of the people, are our voices, our opinions. This then translates to our votes: to not vote is to not care. To not care is to not know. TO not know is ambivalence and laziness. Do I think everyone should vote? No. An ill-informed, manipulated vote is a vote sways the people's cause, but there's no firm, valid metric to gauge who is ill-informed, miss-informed and informed. Democracy's not perfect. Nothing is.
So what of ambivalence? Every person has cares in this world. Should they be truly ambivalent to all things in life, then they've ceased to be a contributing member to society. So what of it? Where did it come from? People rally for their favorite sports teams; they rally when their favorite TV shows get canceled. So what about public policies incite such deference?
We've lost sight of our community. Public policies touch most everyone's lives: for better or for worse. The decisions that seem good and beneficial for all will inevitably hold consequences for some. That's the price we pay for the diversity that defines this country. In turn, we have allowed the plight of this country and its citizens: our friends, families and neighbors become lost in our personal wants and needs. I'm not saying these personal factors need to be shoved aside; most of an individual's opinions and wants are shared by others. Instead, I'm saying that we have lost sight of the bigger picture. Very few understand what that is anymore and what that means. I'm not sure I even know. Bottom line: people aren't willing to make the sacrifice for that bigger picture anymore: there is no single "greater good" for this country anymore.
People identify themselves with their families, their communities and their beliefs; all these things, we can share with others. You find allies in those you share an Alma mater with; you find these people at sporting events, in your office, at your community gym. More or less, the average person finds this unification and this sense of identity with others on a significantly small scale compared to the size of this country. I feel as if the identity and the name of being an "American" has become just that: a name. Don't get me wrong, there's still pride, but more than pride: there is a palpable sense of being disjointed.
Finger pointing is easy. Politicians aren't elected to make changes; they're elected to bring our voices to the public forum, to make the changes WE vote for. So the question now is: how have we let Congress float away from us? They fret over their seats, their positions and their re-elections, because their constituents decide if they get to stay. They get on their soap boxes and rally with their catch phrases and shiny resumes, so that we may ensure their status quo.
Our power, the power of the people, are our voices, our opinions. This then translates to our votes: to not vote is to not care. To not care is to not know. TO not know is ambivalence and laziness. Do I think everyone should vote? No. An ill-informed, manipulated vote is a vote sways the people's cause, but there's no firm, valid metric to gauge who is ill-informed, miss-informed and informed. Democracy's not perfect. Nothing is.
So what of ambivalence? Every person has cares in this world. Should they be truly ambivalent to all things in life, then they've ceased to be a contributing member to society. So what of it? Where did it come from? People rally for their favorite sports teams; they rally when their favorite TV shows get canceled. So what about public policies incite such deference?
We've lost sight of our community. Public policies touch most everyone's lives: for better or for worse. The decisions that seem good and beneficial for all will inevitably hold consequences for some. That's the price we pay for the diversity that defines this country. In turn, we have allowed the plight of this country and its citizens: our friends, families and neighbors become lost in our personal wants and needs. I'm not saying these personal factors need to be shoved aside; most of an individual's opinions and wants are shared by others. Instead, I'm saying that we have lost sight of the bigger picture. Very few understand what that is anymore and what that means. I'm not sure I even know. Bottom line: people aren't willing to make the sacrifice for that bigger picture anymore: there is no single "greater good" for this country anymore.
People identify themselves with their families, their communities and their beliefs; all these things, we can share with others. You find allies in those you share an Alma mater with; you find these people at sporting events, in your office, at your community gym. More or less, the average person finds this unification and this sense of identity with others on a significantly small scale compared to the size of this country. I feel as if the identity and the name of being an "American" has become just that: a name. Don't get me wrong, there's still pride, but more than pride: there is a palpable sense of being disjointed.
1.28.2010
Chance for Travel
This time last year, I was beginning the last stretch of my college years. Arguably, one of the greatest periods of any single person's life. An experience beyond any other: these years are of discovery and selfishness on a level most never know again. Yes, I miss college.
I digress: my reminiscing led me to the time within these college days filled with travel. This time two years ago, I had recently returned from having spent two weeks in South Korea. This was my "break" from my fall semester, spent all over Southeast Asia. Perhaps time in my life I'm thus far most proud of; the time in my life I yearn to rebuild and recreate. Almost a palpable yearning, I wish for the chance to travel, but caught up in Corporate America, I'm not sure I can ever regain the freedom I had two years ago.
I wish to rekindle the days when a packed duffle and backpack served as enough to pass 11 days in foreign territory, on a mission to pass through three nations merely armed with the knowing that you fly into Bangkok, Thailand and fly out of Singapore 11 days later. Those were the days.
I digress: my reminiscing led me to the time within these college days filled with travel. This time two years ago, I had recently returned from having spent two weeks in South Korea. This was my "break" from my fall semester, spent all over Southeast Asia. Perhaps time in my life I'm thus far most proud of; the time in my life I yearn to rebuild and recreate. Almost a palpable yearning, I wish for the chance to travel, but caught up in Corporate America, I'm not sure I can ever regain the freedom I had two years ago.
I wish to rekindle the days when a packed duffle and backpack served as enough to pass 11 days in foreign territory, on a mission to pass through three nations merely armed with the knowing that you fly into Bangkok, Thailand and fly out of Singapore 11 days later. Those were the days.
1.18.2010
Super Powers?
So thrifty me has emerged (in light of the pending doom that is the repayment of student loans), and I've started collected jars and containers to use for storage. This way, I can save myself the dimes otherwise spent on tupperware and whatnots. So far, my favor falls to tomato sauce jars. They're usually glass, a good size and have sturdy lids; however, like many containers that used to store other foods, residue or odors are easily left behind. That's where white vinegar comes in handy. And lo and behold: white vinegar is the miracle solution. It cleans, it flavors, it can even be used to train the cat.
I spotted this link on the back of the bottle; I figured I'd be nice and share.
Vinegar Tips
I spotted this link on the back of the bottle; I figured I'd be nice and share.
Vinegar Tips
1.15.2010
Economics Applied
The weekend reunion was marked by the typical 'catch-up' conversations and events to mark those valuable memories down the road. To me, there was one topic of particular interest and validity to any individual, and I thought it'd be selfish to keep this to myself. Plus, I'm interested to hear other's takes and opinions on this specific bit of economics:
The simplest and lowest unit economics typically applies to is the average household. Essentially, the study of how a single unit, whether a household, a company, a society etc., utilizes limited resources. Economics is a social science; it concerns people's motivations and incentives when making choices dealing with scarce resources. Make note: this conversation in no way turned technical. Consider the intro a background explanation/definition for the actual subject: the importance of value and the cost of actions and decisions as applied to the individual.
The catalyst for this conversation bludgeoned our adventure-filled day via cellular theft. I think I face most adversities with a face of calm, armed with reason and rationale, but when it comes to havoc wrecked on my preferred sources of communication, I become frantic and harried. It's not pretty, so thank goodness it was not my phone that was taken. From this experience an interesting point was made: the point of loss and the hardest hit in losing a cell phone boils down to the data that is either irreplaceable or is a hassle to replace.
On the off chance someone applicable reads this post: consider leaving the SIM card behind if you're going to steal a phone. If not to assuage guilt then as a simple good deed.
So back to the economics: this tragedy eventually steered the conversation towards why someone would find and then keep a cell phone when it would be so easy to return it. Guilt was discussed as was karma, but things whittle down to incentives, motivations and an individual's sense of value and cost. It whittles down to simple economics. For some, the cost of a guilty conscience and fear of karma outweighs the benefits of gaining a $350 market-priced phone. For some, the cost would be bearable with the appropriate reasoning.
On a side note: I believe that the human ability to reason and rationalize anything is one of the most dangerous weapons we possess. I may save this for another blog post, for another slow day...
So, this post isn't as titillating as I thought it'd be; I guess you just had to be there. The actual conversation was enthralling. Regardless, it is an interesting angle to tackle the issue.
Eventually, the discussion wound down to what we value most. My number one value are the relationships I've fostered and grown. My proof and metric is the time spent insuring my availability in case the need for contact arises, as well as the time spent communicating. Of course, this blog somehow stands as evidence against this statement, but I wholeheartedly confess that all my relationships are valued. Granted, some are valued more than others, but who in this world isn't faulted with bias?
The simplest and lowest unit economics typically applies to is the average household. Essentially, the study of how a single unit, whether a household, a company, a society etc., utilizes limited resources. Economics is a social science; it concerns people's motivations and incentives when making choices dealing with scarce resources. Make note: this conversation in no way turned technical. Consider the intro a background explanation/definition for the actual subject: the importance of value and the cost of actions and decisions as applied to the individual.
The catalyst for this conversation bludgeoned our adventure-filled day via cellular theft. I think I face most adversities with a face of calm, armed with reason and rationale, but when it comes to havoc wrecked on my preferred sources of communication, I become frantic and harried. It's not pretty, so thank goodness it was not my phone that was taken. From this experience an interesting point was made: the point of loss and the hardest hit in losing a cell phone boils down to the data that is either irreplaceable or is a hassle to replace.
On the off chance someone applicable reads this post: consider leaving the SIM card behind if you're going to steal a phone. If not to assuage guilt then as a simple good deed.
So back to the economics: this tragedy eventually steered the conversation towards why someone would find and then keep a cell phone when it would be so easy to return it. Guilt was discussed as was karma, but things whittle down to incentives, motivations and an individual's sense of value and cost. It whittles down to simple economics. For some, the cost of a guilty conscience and fear of karma outweighs the benefits of gaining a $350 market-priced phone. For some, the cost would be bearable with the appropriate reasoning.
On a side note: I believe that the human ability to reason and rationalize anything is one of the most dangerous weapons we possess. I may save this for another blog post, for another slow day...
So, this post isn't as titillating as I thought it'd be; I guess you just had to be there. The actual conversation was enthralling. Regardless, it is an interesting angle to tackle the issue.
Eventually, the discussion wound down to what we value most. My number one value are the relationships I've fostered and grown. My proof and metric is the time spent insuring my availability in case the need for contact arises, as well as the time spent communicating. Of course, this blog somehow stands as evidence against this statement, but I wholeheartedly confess that all my relationships are valued. Granted, some are valued more than others, but who in this world isn't faulted with bias?
11.12.2009
Xbox360 for cheap? Just say no. For now...
Microsoft's fist of intolerance for piracy has locked thousands of Xbox fans from their online site Live. Not all of these fans are fair and good-hearted. Beware of offers selling cheap, used Xbox-es online right now. No one said they had to play fair, and they've obviously already figured that out.
Greetings. Friday the 13th.
So another one crosses our path. Interesting fact: Every month that begins on a Sunday blesses us with a Friday the 13th. Of course, anyone who can count to 13 could figure that out, but you never thought to do so did you? Confession: I cheated; Wikipedia told me. Give it a go, do some research. The day really isn't as unlucky as you may believe. History teaches great lessons. I was almost a history major. Perhaps a smart move to deviate. Doubt I would've ended up in health care with a history major.
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