Scary Swines and Morbid Messengers

Scary Swines and Morbid Messengers

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


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

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

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

Sometimes in September

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



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


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






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



Work Cited Links

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

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

Religion's Return

Religion's Return

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

Dreams and Needs

Dreams and Needs

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

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

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

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

SideNote:

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

Weather Woes

Weather Woes

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

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

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

Possession

Possession

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

"Listen as the wind blows

From across the great divide

Voices trapped in yearning

Memories trapped in time

The night is my companion

And solitude my guide

Would I spend forever here

And not be satisfied

And I would be the one

To hold you down

Kiss you so hard

I'll take your breath away

And after I'd wipe away the tears

Just close your eyes dear."

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

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

What I Treasure Most in Nursing

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

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

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

What I Treasure Most in Nursing

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

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

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

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

Of Truth, Consequences, and Re-kindled friendships

Of Truth, Consequences, and Re-kindled friendships

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

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

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

1. functionally clueless– someone who can be absent-minded e.g.- losing car keys, hotel keys etc.

2. injured knee

3. work-oriented

4. post conservatism- one who is against the “Maria Clara” character

5. dehydration phobia- one who has a fear of not having enough fluids in the body, and who carries a water bottle most of the time

6. Size 0- it's for women, whatever it means.

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

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

Silver Cup

Silver Cup

Some people is indignant towards the month of February. Such indignation may come from lonely people, single people, divorced people and the like. Some would say Valentines is just 24 hours. Arguably, February is a month of diminishing returns. 28 days in a month may not be enough. Having 29 days may not even be a consolation. Superstition asserts that those people born in the month of February can be ill-tempered and pickle-minded, because the month is lacking on days.

Hollywood seem to only dedicate the month of February for lovers and loving. This is to prove that Hollywood is almost always wrong. February can be for the lonely people and single people. As Jars of Clay asserts:

This is for all the lonely people
Thinkin' that life has passed them by
Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup
Ride that highway in the sky

This is for all the single people
Thinkin' life has left them dry
Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup
You'll never know until you try

In this aspect of life where even loving someone can be a pressure, a burden, and a generic commercial, one must think of the silver cup. Silver cup signifies the silver lining in every situation. Hence, this signifies all the love and hope in the world.

Random Thoughts 2009

“Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.” John Betjeman

Random Thoughts

The current economic recession would seem to be becoming a bleak scenario for the nation. Almost every institution and companies are streamlining and cutting costs. According to Rachel Bernstein, “Nine out of 10 companies have put cost-cutting strategies in place — from hiring freezes to furloughs — in hopes of weathering the recession gripping the U.S. economy. The most often-used cost-cutting initiative was reducing travel expenses, cited by 67 percent of survey respondents. It was followed by hiring freezes and reductions, which are used by 58 percent of companies surveyed.” This is arguably one of the dark hours of adulthood.

This seems to be the sounds and smell and sights that adulthood might face. This is where the looming dark hours of reason are on the process of bombardment. Slumdog Millionaire would seem to show the contrast of the growing dark hour of reason. One may argue that the scene where Jamal Malik jumped on the vat of feces to get an autograph of his favorite actor can be a literal measurement of the smells and sights of childhood. Most Mumbai residents would oppose the inaccurate portrayals of the movie. They contend that the movie projected and magnified a minor aspect of Mumbai.

Source

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2009/01/26/daily17.html

New Year, New Era

Jerry Orbos writes: "Think about it: There were people who were with us last Christmas and are no longer with us this Christmas. And, there are people who are with us this Christmas who may not be anymore with us next Christmas. So why don’t we make it the best Christmas yet? Let us not postpone our conversion. Let us not postpone our loving." My co-worker Irish witnessed the death of a patient this Christmas . Some would say that death is a very inappropriate subject when one talks about Christmas. As a result, I completely agree with what Jerry Orbos have written.

It might be difficult to think of endings during this holiday season. In passing, technology have made a formal farewell to the VHS. "Ryan J. Kugler, president of Distribution Video Audio in Burbank, California" final truckload of VHS tapes in October -- the last time it plans to make VHS shipments, and the last major VHS distributor in the country to do so. This is the last distribution holdout for VHS tapes this week announced it's finally cutting the format from its inventory. Arguably, this is the end of an era. An era which was good while it lasted. Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
Arguably, there is a time for everything. Cliche as it may sound, endings are the harbinger for beginnings. Since Christmas and New Year are the two holidays which are inseparable, people should celebrate it with optimism. Maybe, such optimism is easy to say, but the execution would be a challenge. In some regard, this is the blogger's way of saying Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Source:

Final Rewind: The VHS Tape Has Breathed Its Last

Narrowed Horizons

Narrowed Horizons

Ernest Hemingway asserts: “America is the land of wide lawns and narrow minds.” In some ways, Hemingway can be correct. For instance, the recent issue of Time Magazine tackles in its cover story “The Sorry State of American Health.” Alice Park reports: “The biggest problem with the U.S. health-care system is that it has long been designed to respond to illness rather than prevent it. According to an analysis by the Commonwealth Fund, a foundation that funds health-care research, half of American adults in 2005 did not receive recommended preventive care, which includes vaccinations, cancer screenings and blood-pressure checks.” One can say that America seems to be fighting the wrong war on health. Wide lawns and narrow minds, Hemingway may be right.

In the process of responding to illness, America seems to be fighting the Health wars of other countries. One can say that America aims to protect every person living in this land, whether the status might be legal or illegal.

Case Management on most hospitals would say that the funds for Medicare and Medi-Cal are dwindling. Such contention can never be further from the truth. Once America consider a person as homeless, destitute and would need welfare, such person will be a beneficiary of the taxpayers. Ironically, tax payers would work more than 80 hours a week, and homeless people, bums, lazy people, couples with four or more children would benefit from the hard earned dollars of diligent people. It seems as if laziness is a modern virtue to be rewarded by the people and for the people. In this regard, one may agree in Hemingway's position (see introductory quotation).

Is this the land of opportunities? Or some rules are turning most homeless people, bums into opportunistic parasites? Most Americans can not even get ultimate healthcare. In order to achieve such status, a person must be extravagantly rich or be a high end criminal. Liberals suggests that it is cruel and unusual punishment to let a prisoner suffer from illness. That's right; criminals have the privilege to have a health plan that covers everything. As such, the diligent taxpayers are the sponsors for healthcare.

Art Spander opines: "The great thing about democracy is that it gives every voter a chance to do something stupid." Sometimes, the decision of the majority would reflect narrow-minded and hasty decision making process. It would seem that the response of America to homelessness, destitution, illegal immigration is comparable to wide lawns having narrow horizons.

Source

Time.com

Same old, same old

Same old, same old
Some people dread the notion of change. Changes seem to bring insecurity and undermine the very concept of stability. For instance, some people stay the same to prove that the affection of their loved ones remain unrequited and unconditional. This writer's trip to the Philippines seems to cling on the issue of change. In an unconscious level, this writer seems to expect the same old familiarity that made this country close to heart. The familiarity of sidewalk vendors, the blaring engine of tricycles, the doting of relatives, the humidity, and the photographs are some of the many little things which bolster familiarity. Although it took 18 time zones and an American citizenship to develop an innate sense of nationalism, the nationalism seems to be on a deeper level.
On some level, the province of Bulakan seems to retain its familiar facade. This familiarity served as a conduit for safety and nostalgia. People seem to resist change, because unfamiliarity appears to bring uncertainty. Such resistance impedes some of the advantages of change. The recent trip to Baguio can be an example. Sometimes, the establishment of SM Malls seem to corrupt the beauty and innocence of a place. The city of Baguio is known for its bucolic and rural esteem. The uprising of urbanism such as the SM mall in Baguio seem to take away the bucolic and rural The This seems to be the trade-off for the convenience of specialty stores and restaurant.
This writer longs for the same old, same old. In this way, the so-called resistance to change remains to be an affirmation that the feelings and affection towards the people, places, and things still dwell.

Worrisome Woes

Worrisome Woes
The current economy seems to be on its plummeting course. One can also say that such plummeting is not only felt by the US but also other countries. It seems to be the season for layoffs, job hunting and a lifestyle overhaul. For instance, Gather. com enumerated the following:

1. Ann Taylor closing 117 stores nationwide A company spokeswoman said the company hasn't revealed which stores will be shuttered. It will let the stores that will close this fiscal year know over the next month.

2. Eddie Bauer to close more stores - Eddie Bauer has already closed 27 shops in the first quarter and plans to close up to two more outlet stores by the end of the year.

3. Cache closing stores - Women's retailer Cache announced that it is closing 20 to 23 stores this year.

4. Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherines closing 150 stores nationwide The owner of retailers Lane Bryant , Fashion Bug , Catherines Plus Sizes will close about 150 underperforming stores this year. The company hasn't provided a list of specific store closures and can't say when it will offer that info, spokeswoman Brooke Perry said today.

5. Talbots, J. Jill closing stores - About a month ago, Talbots announced that it will be shuttering all 78 of its kids and men's stores. Now the company says it will close another 22 underperforming stores.

The 22 stores will be a mix of Talbots women's and J. Jill, another chain it owns. The closures will occur this fiscal year, according to a company press release.

6. Gap Inc. closing 85 stores - In addition to its namesake chain, Gap also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic. The company said the closures - all planned for fiscal 2008 - will be weighted toward the Gap brand.

7. Foot Locker to close 140 stores - In the company press release and during its conference call with analysts today, it did not specify where the future store closures - all planned in fiscal 2008 - will be. The company could not be immediately reached for comment

8. Wickes is going out o f business - Wickes Furniture is going out of business and closing all of its stores, Wickes, a 37-year-old retailer that targets middle-income customers, filed for bankruptcy protection last month.

9. Goodbye Levitz - The furniture retailer, which is going out of business. Levitz first announced it was going out of business and closing all 76 of its stores in December. The retailer dates back to 1910 when Richard Levitz opened his first furniture store in Lebanon , PA. In the 1960s, the warehouse/showroom concept brought Levitz to the forefront of the furniture industry.

The local Levitz closures will follow the shutdown of Bombay.

10. Zales, Piercing Pagoda closing stores - The owner of Zales and Piercing Pagoda previously said it plans to close 82 stores by July 31. Today, it announc ed that it is closing another 23 underperforming stores. The company said it's not providing a list of specific store closures. Of the 105 locations planned for closure, 50 are kiosks and 55 are stores.

11. Disney Store owner has the right to close 98 stores The Walt Disney Company announced it acquired about 220 Disney Stores from subsidiaries of The Children's Place Retail Stores. The exact number of stores acquired will depend on negotiations with landlords.

Those subsidiaries of Children's Place filed for bankruptcy protection in late March. Walt Disney in the news release said it has also obtained the right to close about 98 Disney Stores in the U.S. The press release didn't list those stores.

12. Home Depot store closings - ATLANTA - Nearly 7+ months after its chief executive said there were no plans to cut the number of its core retail stores, The Home Depot I nc.ann ounced Thursday that it is shuttering 15 of them amid a slumping U.S. economy and housing market. The move will affect 1,300 employees.

It is the first time the world's largest home improvement store chain has ever closed a flagship store for performance reasons. Its shares rose almost 5 percent. The Atlanta-based company said the underperforming U.S.stores being closed represent less than 1 percent of its existing stores. They will be shuttered within the next two months.

13. CompUSA clarifies details on store closings Any extended warranties purchased for products through CompUSA will be honored by a third-party provider, Assurant Solutions. Gift cards, rain checks, and rebates purchased prior to December 12 can be redeemed at any time during the final sale. For those w h o h ave a gadget currently in for service with CompUSA, the repair will be completed and the gadget will be returned to owners. http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9834177-7html <>

14. Macy's - 9 stores -

15. Movie Gallery - 160 stores as part of reorganization plan to exit bankruptcyThe video rental company plans to close 400 of 3,500 Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video stores in addition to the 520 locations the video rental chain closed last fall.

16. Pep Boys - 33 stores

17. Sprint Nextel - 125 retail locations New Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse appears to have inherited a company bleeding subscribers by the thousands, and will now officially be dropping the ax on 4,000 employees and 125 retail locations. Amid the loss of 639,000 postpaid customers in the fourth quarter, Sprint will be cutting a total of 6.7% of its work force (following the 5,000 layoffs last year) and 8% of company-owned brick-and-mortar stores, while remaining mute on other rumors that it will consolidate its headquarters in Kansas. Sprint Nextel shares are down $2.89, or nearly 25%, at the time of this writing.

18. J. C. Penney, Lowe's and Office Depot are scaling back

19. Ethan Allen Interiors: The company announced plans to close 12 of 300+ stores in an effort to cut costs.

20. Wilsons the Leather Experts - 158 stores

21. Pacific Sunwear will close its 154 Demo stores after a review of strategic alternatives for the urban-apparel brand. Seventy-four underperforming Demo stores closed last May.

22. Sharper Image: The company recently filed for bankruptcy protection and announced that 90 of its 184 stores are closing. The retailer will still operate 94 stores to pay off debts, but 90 of these stores have performed poorly and also may close.

23. Bombay Company: The company unveiled plans to close all 384 U.S.-based Bombay Company stores. The company's online storefront has discontinued operations.

24. { I have been contacted by KB Toyus. They ahve informed me that this totally untrue information as it regards their company. My source for this article was one of some 20+ international newspapers from Europe. i do not remember which one it was. I apologize to KB Toys for the erroneous information. }

25. Dillard's to Close More Stores Dillard's Inc. said it will continue to focus on closing underperforming stores, reducing expenses and improving its merchandise in 2008. At the company's annual shareholder meeting, CEO William Dillard II said the company will close another six underperforming stores this year.

One can say that it can be difficult to create a reality of optimism. The economy seems bleak, and most people would just want to go on with their lives. Jobs in retail and in the food industry may not be the most in-demand industry. It can be time to turn on the lenses of pragmatism. Another indication of a bad economy is to flaunt the banner of necessity as oppose to whimpers and whim. No offense to shopaholics out there, may it is time to reflect. It may be time to cease the childish and immature ways of following an unnecessary whim. It is time to be practical, and don't be a shopaholic just because of the prestige associations under it. Arguably, prestige is deemed useless once shopper's debt increase exponentially and cannot afford to pay the mortgage, car bills and other vital expenses. Shopaholics needed to hear the lecture, and so this goes.

Source:

Gather.com

Resist or Serve

Resist or Serve

One can say that resistance is futile. A certain ideology is someone's crusade if most people are indifferent. As such, the most viable alternative would be to serve. To illustrate this point, the alleged transformation of Apple to a monopolistic behemoth seems to be a reality. For instance, afterdawn.com reports: "Apple is suing Psystar over their Mac clone, saying the terms of the OS X End User License Agreement (EULA) forbid the owner from installing it on anything but Apple hardware. They allege Copyright Infringement by Psystar, as well as Inducement of Copyright Infringement, Breach of Contract, Trademark Infringement, and Trade Dress Infringement. In short they're trying to put Psystar out of business citing language in the Mac OS X license forbidding the owner from installing it on anything but Apple hardware." One of the reasons why Apple had a following is because people try to veer away from the monopolistic behavior of Microsoft. Seemingly, Apple is turning the tide into the servitude of monopoly.
When one unconsciously becomes the monster they despised, the consequences can be unbearable and anti-climax.

Another example of falling into servitude is the servitude to a certain policies and procedures. For instance, nursing ratios has become stricter. Moreover, the presence of nursing unions can make the practice complicated. Generally, most policies require having proper coverage for patients even when nurses are on break. However, most nurses prefer to have community lunches. Community lunch pertains to most nurses taking lunches together. They can take lunch together as long as they answer their patient's calls and requests. Consequently, some people are opposed to community lunches. Hence, some people did a fascist intervention. They try to impose a limit on how many nurses can take lunch together. Since the imposition is integrated to the policies, the nurses have to give in and shun resistance. Resistance seems to alienate people and corporations. The risk of being cast as an outcast is maximized. Since most corporate conglomerates are pushing towards Orwellian terms of employment, most people has the choice to resist or serve, in which most people favor servitude as opposed to resistance.

Sa Aking Pagtanda from Fr. Ariel F. Robles

This message/prayer is from Rev. Fr. Ariel F. Robles. He is a CWL Spiritual Director of St. Augustine Parish in Baliuag Bulacan.

Sa Aking Pagtanda

Sa iyo Anak:

Sa aking pagtanda, unawain mo sana ako at pagpasensyahan. Kapag dala ng kalabuan ng mata ay nakabasag ako ng pinggan o nakatapon ng sabaw sa hapag kainan, huwag mo sana akong kagagalitan. Maramdamin ang isang matanda. Nagse-self pity ako sa tuwing sisigawan mo ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tenaga ko at hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi mo, huwag mo naman sana akong sabihan ng “binge.” Pakiulit na lang ang sinasabi mo o pakisulat na lang. Pasensya ka na, anak. Matanda na talaga ako.

Kapag mahina na ang tuhod ko, pagtiyagaan mo sana aking tulungang tumayo, katulad ng pagaalalay ko sa iyo noong nag-aaral ka pa lamang lumakad.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana ako kung ako man ay nagiging makulit at paulit ulit na parang sirang plaka. Basta pakinggan mo na lang ako. Huwag mo sana akong pagtatawanan o pagsasawaang pakinggan. Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa? Kapag gusto mo ng lobo, paulit-ulit mo yong sasabihin. Maghapong kang mangungulit hanggat’ hindi mo nakukuha ang gusto mo. Pinagtyagaan ko ang kakulitan mo.

Pagpasensyahan mo na rin sana ang aking amoy. Amoy matanda, amoy lupa. Huwag mo na sana akong piliting maligo. Mahina na ang katawan ko, madaling magkasakit kapag nalalamigan. Huwag mo sana akong pandirihan. Natatandaan mo noong bata ka pa? Pinagtyatyagaan kitang habulin sa ilalim ng kama kapag ayaw mong maligo.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana kung madalas akoy’s nagiging masungit, dala na marahil ito ng katandaan. Pagtanda mo, maiintindihan mo rin.

Kapag may konti kang panahon, magkwentuhan naman tayo, kahit sandali lang. Inip na ako sa bahay, maghapong nag-iisa. Walang kausap. Alam kong busy ka sa trabaho, subalit nais kong malaman mo na sabik na sabik akong makakwentuhan ka, kahit alam kong hindi ka interesado sa mga kwento ko. Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa? Pinagtyagaan ko ang pautal-utal mong kwento tungkol sa iyong laruan.

At kapag dumating na ang sandali na ako’y magkasakit at maratay sa banig ng karamdaman, huwag mo sana akong pagsawaang alagaan. Pagpasensyahan, mo na sana ako kung ako man ay maihi o madumi sa higaan. Pagtyagaan mo sana akong alagaan sa mga huling sandali ng aking buhay. Tutal hindi na naman ako magtatagal.

Kapag dumating na ang sandali ng aking pagpanaw, hawakan mo sana ang aking kamay at bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob na harapin ang kamatayan.

At huwag kang mag-alala, kapag kaharap ko na ang Diyos na lumikha, ibubulong ko sa kanya na pagpalain ka sana… dahil mapagmahal ka sa iyong ama’t ina. Amen

Dumb Down

Dumb Down

Summer is coming again. One can find a positive correlation between summer and gas prices. As the season of summer comes near, gas prices tend to increase.Even some hotels are giving away free gas cards to boost tourism.

Some people may have trouble in figuring out what legacy they might leave when they pass. Arguably, it seems that most people can leave a legacy that they are consumers. Consumerism is one of the most common, and most convenient legacy one can leave. For instance, one would just look on his garage, and one may find outdated clocks, microwaves, electric fans and more. Another example is that people paying high premium prices on worn-out and torn clothing on Abercrombie and Fitch. Exreme consumerism also has its demerits. Fashionable versus functional. Ostensibly, most people would choose fashion. Retailers exploit the superficiality of the people. In fact, Peter Sagal Wait Wait don't tell Me commentator asserts: during this summer, some people should earn to reconcile their low self-esteem. This seems evident. Some people would buy gas-guzzling SUV's not because they need it, but because they need to show that they can buy. Most people need to have that satisfaction to appease their fragile ego.

Some people tend to be immature. Maturity seems to come at a premium price. It seemed that the British was right in their view of the American people in the post World War II. A Mass Observation survey resulted in the findings: the Americans were "too self-satisfied, loud-spoken, too ignorant" as well as being "politically backward, uncultured and half-educated". Mass Observation commented: "Americans are, despite their central heating, business efficiency and industrial superiority, still the younger cousins.

The survey stills hold true after 68 years. Dumbing down of Americans seems to underplay it. For instance, shows such as “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader, The Biggest loser, America's Top Model appear to depend on superficiality. Moreover, vocabularies do not appeal to some teenagers. Majority of they seem to dwell on the simplicity of the vocabularies of a 3rd grader.

What can people do with the dumbing down? Does the future of America depend on the likes of dumb and dumberer? Do people want slapstick logic?

Work Cited:

Robert Taylor"Immature, immoral, vulgar, materialistic . . ."

Intrinsic Preservation

Intrinsic Preservation

It all started with an idea. Somebody pose a conjecture that death may not be an end in itself. What if death is a disease? This question was asked during the decade of the first successful kidney transplant. It is also the decade when healthcare has its ally: penicillin. The time was 1960, and the word cryonics has its inception.” This American Life,” a podcast hosted by Ira Glass, featured Cryonics. It is the concept of where an organism is subjected to low temperatures, to preserve an organism that is termed clinically dead, until further immortality booster can be available in the future.

One might say that people would turn into cryonics. For instance, a person is afflicted with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS. It is a disease where motor neurons degenerate. The last stage of this disease is that the person would lose all voluntary controls. Patient may not be able to stand or walk, or chew and swallow food. Wetting bed sheets and soiling linens are some of the vivid examples, and the person has no control. Most patients afflicted with ALS dies of respiratory failure. The worst part about this disease is that the person is aware of all of this. His cognition is spared. One imagine how painful the clinical manifestations of this disease. The reason that ALS patients might turn into cryonics is that self-preservation. If a doctor has ALS, he surely would not want to leave a legacy of wetting bed sheets or soiling linens, and yet he is fully aware that he has no control over the situation. How ironic it might have been, that a doctor was once has been the instrument of medicine, and he can not even perform a simplest function such as chewing.

It is human nature that humans want control. However, Oscar Wilde asserts: “A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure. I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.” People have control over their cognition. Back to rudimentary question: what if death is a disease? Cryonics may only be one of the answers. On the example above, one may consider a life with very low quality of life (ALS patients) as dying. Cryonics still has the long to be its prime. People afflicted with diseases has none.

Work Cited

This American Life Podcast

The Age of Timeless Disregard

The Age of Timeless Disregard

In listening to Mark Porter Zasada’s podcast, he raised some points that hold true to the cycle of childhood and adulthood. One might say that children often wonder of what they would become when they grow up. And when they do grow up as adults, they often wish they had not grown yet, for there are inevitable responsibilities that compel people to work. “All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind,” as Aristotle points out. Arguably, routine work absorbs the enthusiasm of the ever elusive childhood aspiration. As a result, adults want to go back to childhood.

Zasada points out that such reversal has been happening. One might notice the fondness of adulthood for video games. Others might argue that game manufacturers market games with ESRB rating of Mature. The point is, what once regarded as an activity for children (gaming), adults are now indulging in those activities. In fact, other examples are reality TV shows. Who derives profound joy on harmless public humiliation? One might say that the developmental stages that derive fun in such activity are the stages of childhood.

As one gets chronologically advanced (translation: as one ages), adults may get as existentialist dread. Arthur Schopenhauer states: “The scenes of our life are like pictures in rough mosaic, which have no effect at close quarters, but must be looked at from a distance in order to discern their beauty. So that to obtain something we have desired is to find out that it is worthless; we are always living in expectation of better things, while, at the same time, we often repent and long for things that belong to the past. We accept the present as something that is only temporary, and regard it only as a means to accomplish our aim. So that most people will find if they look back when their life is at an end, that they have lived their lifelong ad interim […]”

One may realize that happiness is often found in the past, where people deem their lives as simple and pure. A child may never become to this realization, where perspectives are non-corruptible. For instance, a child may forgive without conditions, even he has been hurt many times. One can say Peter Pan was right on the assertion that he does not want to grow up. When one becomes an adult, he may come agree with what Schopenhauer asserts: “the emptiness of existence.” In a nutshell, the emptiness of existence is an essay by that author, where he asserts the meaninglessness of life, and the only concepts that exist in this world are time and decay.

As children, people can be hopeful. Such hopefulness is corrupted by disappointment and failure. One could hope that although people live transitory lives, the legacy that one person will leave will be a meaningful one.

Have a reflective Lenten Season, everyone.

Work Cited:

The Emptiness of Existence by Arthur Schopenhauer

Writers, DVD, and Residuals

Writers, DVD, and Residuals

One can say that the recent writer’s strike ended. It all started with the VHS residuals. The writers only receive 0.3% for the first million of the reportable gross, and 0.36% thereafter. When the DVD became the standard format, the percentage writers received are still the same percentage in the VHS residuals. As a result, the writers feel shortchanged. Moreover, the writers want extra residuals for new media such as video streaming online. The strike ended February 12.

It seems that the writers are becoming the alter ego of the major corporation’s greed. Moreover, everyone wants their share of the big pie. When people hire services of a gardener, the customer-gardener relationship ceases after the service is done. Unlike the gardener, it seems that the writers want constant fee. Some might say that the gardener/writer situation is a false analogy. What the analogy suggests is that after the services are rendered (writing a script for a show/movie and a fee was paid), it is reasonable not to look for another job to keep up with the livelihood.

One can say that the victims here are the customers who are couch potato and do not consider reading a book as entertainment. Ostensibly, these are the lugubrious consumers with short-attention span and rely on television as the primary source of entertainment. One must introduce them to the activity called “living your own lives.” Reading books, going to plays, and spending time with family and friends are the time-tested activities that survive the sedentary era of the tube. As a side note, HD –DVD format is already on the respirator. Blu-ray seemed to conquer the market and major studio support. Hail to the individuals who waited to buy either format.

In a different note, sometimes, it is safe to conclude that political correctness is overrated. It is another form of euphemism, and when one would use it incorrectly, and then havoc would rein in. As a result, it can be another form of lying. For instance, one might say that it is racist to call a Mexican, a Mexican. They say it would be better to call this ethnic group as Latinos. Oftentimes, people wonder that political correctness equals deception, equals lies, and equals confusion. One possible solution is that individuals should express what comes to their minds, so long as it is under the rules of civility. The rules of civility are enough; people do not need political correctness.