People

Yea, that is an interesting topic.

No matter how much we try to comprehend humans, they shall never fail to surprise us.
It is funny how people can think money can buy happiness or rather money can win people's affections.  If a person can be won over by money then that person is not worth your time at all. Even if you think your giving a new phone or some other gift to somebody will win him or her over in all circumstances, you are wrong. You chose to give the gift. The other person did not ask for it and hence, does not owe you anything.

We have all heard of the saying, 'chor ki daari mei tinka'. Tell me what is wrong with a person asking for his own money that the other person owes. Does he need to be in a state of emergency to want his money back? And the worst why are you getting all worked up when I ask for my own money? I do not need to give you a reason about why I need the money. I am doing you a favor by asking you to pay me back in installments rather than ask for the entire amount at once. And you of all people should know that future is very uncertain. No matter how much you plan you never know when you shall have a downtime. What if you are going through such a time when I really need my money? I do not want to be in trouble because of your inability to plan properly. At the end of the day, nobody said that you will take the money and run away. You mentioned it yourself. And it was bound to hurt your ego or you wont have transferred 1/4th of the amount in my bank account within the next three hours.

Then we all know about people who are like agony aunts. They can always come up with the right solutions. But agony aunts can also have problems, especially when it concerns their heart. Who shall they turn to? They might feel that they are able to see everything objectively but let's face it, our mind has a tendency to save us from potential harm. A state of denial is such an example. A state of refusing to accept the niceties of a person who has hurt you to the core is a manner of your unconscious brain to save you from further pain. But you will not understand this angle as long as you are mulling over the problem. It will take time, weeks, months or maybe years, but you will be able to understand that some things just can not be sorted out by black and white. People are grey and there are many shades of grey, so good luck trying to comprehend each and every one of them.

Why are they all so complex? Feelings is the biggest weakness of a human being. Sometimes I wish there was a switch but is being a machine a better option? Even if it is for a while. I study human body and yet I do not understand why we feel. Why it pains when people betray us or disappoint us. Why are we happy when he learn to accept and forgive ourselves? Yes, we have all sorts hormonal disturbances going on in our bodies but  if we find a way to manipulate and control it, I wonder if we shall be able to create a perfect human being. Of course there is no such thing as perfect and I am just talking like a mad scientist from fringe. But maybe someday I will figure out the root of all problems, the reason why we feel, the reason why we are called humans.

Why factory farmed chickens should not be banned?

Chicken, the most common poultry, is in demand all over the world.  According to a survey conducted by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, 94% of the population favors chicken consumption.  It is ranked as the highest consumed protein source. Due to high popularity of meat and eggs in daily meals, chickens are bred both at personal as well as corporate level. Chickens that come from small family farms are called free- range or organic chickens while those that are produced in large industries are called factory farmed chickens. There are concerns about proper growth, development and health of the chickens that are raised in factory farms. There are certain myths about organic farming that has led to protests against factory farming. Factory farmed chicken should be encouraged because it provides a major and an inexpensive source of protein as well as helps in boosting the local economy.

            Factory farmed chicken breeding provides a large and a commercial source of food. According to Thomas Robert Malthus, an English scholar well known for his theories about population and the factors affecting it, population increases at a geometric rate while food resources increases at an arithmetic rate.   This means that human population outnumbers the natural food resources that are available. More food needs to be produced with least stress to the environment.  Factory farms, with the use of advanced technology, are able to produce a large number of chickens in a more proficient manner. They are able to eliminate the natural limitations needed for survival and growth and hence, have a greater output. Unlike free-range farming that is done in a more manual manner, a factory farm utilizes technology that results in greater output. They hence, are able to fulfill the demands of their local communities as well as of places that are far away.

Another advantage of factory farms is that they provide cheaper chicken produce when compared to free- range farms. Factory farms operate on large scale where chickens are raised in smaller areas with proper regulations on different breeding stages such as waste collection, disposal and food intake of the birds. This makes the farms very efficient to operate since it reduces the time and cost invested in raising chickens. That is why factory farmed chickens are cheaper to buy in market stores. 

Factory farming of chickens also improves the economy of the local community. Factory farming is beneficial due to scale economies. Scale economies exist when the industry makes a profit on its growth and development The cost to rear one chicken reduces as more and more chickens are raised. This in addition to proper and firm restrictions on the use of resources makes the industrial farms far more efficient and competitive than small scale family farms. 

People have expressed a lot of concerns about factory farming. The major downside pointed out is that a large number of chickens are confined in a small area. Such cramped areas foster unhygienic conditions and risks spread of diseases. Small, restricted areas are utilized to be able to monitor an efficient use of resources. In order to combat diseases, chickens are injected with antibiotics. People are still anxious that antibiotics might result in development of antibiotic resistant bacterial strains that might eventually cause diseases in human beings. According to a recent small-scale study conducted by researchers at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, there were no significant differences observed between the health of people who ate organic chicken and the people who ate factory farmed chicken. People were examined based on any occurrences of allergies and food poisoning incurred due to consumption of chickens.  It can not be concluded with certainty whether it is the antibiotic injected chickens or increased consumption of antibiotics by humans themselves that risks their health. Factory farm chickens are also said to be less nutritional than free range chickens. So far no significant differences are found in the vitamin and mineral content of organically and factory farm produced chickens. Although organic chicken and eggs are said to contain more omega-3 fatty acids but this needs to be confirmed by more large-scale studies.

            Despite this ongoing debate, factory farmed chickens continue to feed the growing population all over the world. It is affordable and easily available. It also provides the required nutrition as well as helps in boosting the economy of the local community. More research is required to properly differentiate between the pros and cons of factory farmed and organic chicken. Until then, proper awareness should be spread to help people recognize the myths and benefits of factory farmed chicken.

Just random thoughts

Lightheadedness again ! :S

I really need to workout, I can feel my body asking for it.

Anyway, this post is about how to remain positive:

1. Whenever you feel depressed, just go out in daylight and let nature heal you.
2. Maintain a diary or a secret journal like this one. Write down all the positive things that happened.
3. Smile when you should, laugh when something amusing happens and talk when you want to. Don't deprive yourself of things you like.
4. Ofcourse, if you are happy then stay away from people who are negative. Positivity and negativity are both infectious.
5. Everyday is bound to give you shocks. Not everything can be controlled. So worry about it? Take it easy. You can also write down your shock of the day and then balance it out with the positive things that happened.
6. Very important. Yoga/meditation
7. Remember positivity is the state of mind. you need to yearn for it to be able to accomplish it. This doesn't mean that you can not have negative thoughts, that is completely natural. just remember, you can stay optimistic and find a solution to every problem.

 So what were my surprise and shock for today?
Surprise: I woke up early..yay! I had enough time to clean and cook.
Shock: I ended up sleeping the entire evening. Also, I spent 1.5 hours calling around people in Fargo/Moorhead just to figure out where can I get a varicella vaccine and so far, I am not successful in my mission.

Creepy guy at the library

I was studying in the library when a guy comes and stands next to me.
He was clearly staring at me.

When I looked towards him, he asked me if he could sit behind me. I was like, "Sure."
*Why was he asking? He does not seem completely normal either* I wondered

Anyway next he comes and stands at the aisle next to me. I ignore him. He returns and I look at him and I ask, "Can I help you?"
He mumbled something. I couldn't understand.

"Sorry?" I said.
"Can I have a hug?", he said.
"A hug?", I said
"Yea. A hug." he said
"No" I replied
He went away disappointed and I felt bad for him and I said, "Sorry...."

Later I noticed him at the aisle infront of me. He was trying to peek at me but the moment he felt he was caught, he went away.
AFter a minute I felt somebody was standing behind me, I turned around to see him.
He, "Can you sit here?" Pointing to the couch behind me.

Me, "What? Why?"
He, "Can I sit here?" This time he was pointing to the floor.
Me, "Why?"
He, "Because I want to." He sounded frustrated. And he squatted down on the floor.

*Why is he sitting on the floor. *

Anyway I turn around again and he again asks me for a hug.
I reply, "No"
He, "But you are so pretty." He was so desperate.

"No", I snapped at him.

He was at the verge of tears when I saw him run away.

I was completely freaked out and I decided to leave the library when I ran into this Nigerian guy who starting hitting on me at once. He knew little Hindi and even wished me a very happy independence day. Anyway so when he learned about my medical plans he said, "Yea, you will become a doctor and end up marrying an Indian guy. This is how it happens."


Me, "Have you ever been to India?"
He, "I haven't but I want to, especially Mumbai. That is the main hub of movies. Bollywood! I even try to learn Hindi. I have this app on my phone but it is not very good. Maybe you could teach me some."

I asked, "Sure. What do you do?" trying to avoid what he said.

He replied, "I just took my GMAT last week and will take my LSAT soon. Then I would like to go and work in Hyderabad. You should come there too and invent some technology or something and then you can break the rule and marry a Nigerian guy instead. We will have a big, lavish, colorful Nigerian-Indian wedding."

*We?? When did we become WE??*
He then said, "What is your facebook?"
Me, "I don't have facebook."
He continued, "Give me your number or email address since what are the chances that I will see you again here."
Me, "Maybe you will."
He said, "No, I can not just wait and do nothing. I meet this girl and I have to make sure that I meet her again. America is not a place to remain superstitious."
Me, "But I come from a country of superstitions."
He said, "Okay. just give me your email address. You can always put me in spam if you want."
Me, "That's not nice to put somebody in spam."
He said, "How will I contact you again?"
Me, "Okay, if I meet you again here, I will give you my email address. Let's see what is the probability of us meeting again here."
He, "Okay, how about you take my email address?"
Me, "Sure." I pretended to take his email just to get rid of him.


He replied, "Shukriya."
Me, "Your hindi is very good."
He, "Thank you. I want to have a Nigerian-India baby."


And he walked away to catch his bus.
I was like What the...!!!

Time to make things happen

So my Dad refuses to speak to me. I know it must take effort for him to even talk to me once a week. It happens to me, when I want to hibernate and yet I have to call my parents every day, just for their sake.

Mom is planning on having another surgery but  my Dad is completely crabby and has lost all hope.
I can not wait until December. It will be like waiting and watching. I can not be so helpless.

I will give this exam to the best of my ability and make plans to go home asap. Even if it is only for few days. And as long as I make sure that my studies are not being compromised, I am sure nobody will be able to disagree with my plan.

What do you do?

when the person who motivates you, who is your ideal, who makes you feel that no matter how hard the problem is there is always a solution to it; the person who is the source of your optimism.

What do you do when such a person loses his optimism?

Reflection

Mann kar raha hai ki ek baar India jakar wapas aa jaun. I never thought ki main life mei kabhi itni helpless hongi. My only option is to wait. This is the time when patience kills the most.

My 21st birthday... full of blasts

Year 2012 has been the most memorable year for me so far. No wonder my 21st birthday falls this year full of bangs.

I was not really excited about my birthday. For the first time, I did not really keep tab on any dates. It was only when I realized that my parents are excited for my birthday that I started showing some enthusiasm. Nonetheless, I wanted to spend the birthday alone and in peace.

Faru had some other plans. She had already planned with Sonam to take me out for lunch. But I did not want to go. Anyway, we went for shopping which was a disaster. No matter how much I liked wearing dresses, all those that I liked and wanted to buy wouldn't look good on me. Anyway, ended up buying two pair of shoes instead. Mahi from Mahi Way did mentione, no matter what, shoe size doesnt change.

I had hidden my birthday from facebook, trying to remain a little low on my birthday but my sister's various facebook tags created an uproar on facebook. It was sweet though. I was still waiting to hear from a couple of my friends. And I was waiting desperately.

Next morning I did receive birthday wishes from the friends I was waiting to hear from. One of them even called me and we ended up chatting for an hour. It was a disappointment though to hear that he plans to continue his further study in India itself. Nonetheless, I did tell him that I was disappointed but I guess, it is okay. He is a sweetheart. Will talk about him later.

My friend Sonam came over bringing tons of beautiful presents for me. Some Tibetan goodies alongwith a card and a bottle of wine. I just loved the wine. I ended up breaking my diet rules that day but it was all good. Had awesome dinner - dal makhani, roasted chicken, tortillas along with wine, and different preparations of vodka.

Watched Andaz Apna Apna, halfway through, followed by Tashan. Yes, Tashan. I told you this birthday was full of bangs. Some good, some weird.

It was weird because other than people who should wish me, there were also people who were actually texting or calling me to wish me in addition to using facebook. My brothers in law, especially. And the funniest thing was, almost everyone who called and wished me actually sang the happy birthday song for me.My birthday was celebrated in two different continents. My sister, my cousin and her husband, my dad- actually treated people on my birthday. My dad asked teh servant to make my favorite aloo, puri and suji halwa for guests while my jiju tried his hands on a new recipe for his friends. My mom went to Shirdi to pray for me.
It was all so sweet.

Even Scroogie texted me early in the morning and that was a pleasant surprise because this year I did not wish him properly. I just facebooked him and I am pretty sure my wish got lost somewhere in his timeline.

Sounds like a good day, so what went wrong? I rather not mention it here.
I just wish everything turns out to be fine, I wish my dad gets well soon and all his wishes are fulfilled. This is my birthday wish for this up coming year.

Rakhi Surprise for me

You won't believe what Siddharth did?
God, I do not believe it myself.
Check it out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpoi5Zi7XzM&feature=youtu.be

In the recording of history it is impossible to be objective.

Explain what you think the above statement means. Describe a specific situation in which it might be possible to be objective in the recording of history. Discuss what you think determines when objectivity in the recording of history is possible and when it is not.

Objectivity is the way of presenting things in their actual states, without any personal feelings being involved. It is usually maintained when reporting facts or events that happened for sure, without any doubt. However, if proper facts are not collected, personal opinions mingle with the reality of the situation, giving it a subjective approach.

In the recording of history, it is impossible to be objective. This is true when the facts related to the event are not very concrete. If the individual knows only one side of the situation, he or she tends to be biased and opinionated when recording the event. For instance,in the history books of India, Britishers are condemned for bringing in the divide and rule policy, thereby causing teh Hindu and Muslim conflicts in an otehrwise peaceful nation. While according to the Britishers, they were ruling an otherwise disgruntled group of people, to avoid them from killing each other.

It might still be possible to be objective in the recording of history. For instance, when we talk about the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers, it is known for sure that the attack was made via the planes hijacked by the terrorists from the militant group of al-Qaeda. These are concrete facts with strong evidences and millions of people as witnesses. No one can deny this truth. There are no feelings involved in the facts stated above and hence, it is a completely objective approach to report the situation.

So what determines when objectivity is possible or not while recording history? It completely depends on the goal of reporting the event. If the goal of the event is to state merely the facts, then it is possible to be objective. But if the facts are cloudy then the goal also involves reporting the causes and the after-effects of an event which results in mingling of personal feelings and biases resulting in a subjective report.

Fairy and the limits of her optimism

Fairy, "So, if he hooks up with some other girl, will you feel bad?"

Me, "I might be sad but I will not feel bad or angry about it."

Fairy, "Why not?"

Me, "Why should I? Why should he wait for me?"

Fairy, "Why not?"

Me, "Because every time we talk it is like friends. Neither he has said anything nor have I. He has no reason to wait for me and I have no reason to expect that. And the kind of person I am, I will not take a step unless he does."

Fairy, "I always thought there is a silent commitment between you guys."

Me, "Not really. I mean, we just started talking RECENTLY. Before that we were in our own worlds wooing and being wooed by different people. And every time we have talked it is just like friends. Although he is always concerned about what is happening with me and everything but I guess any friend of mine would do that. Yea, he might be the only guy who does that. Anyway, from my past experience I should not really rely on my intuitions because no matter how right I am, guys can always end up being a jerk.  So I do not expect him to wait for me. I will be sad, maybe but I will not feel betrayed or anything."

After some more conversation
Me, "Yes. If he hooks up with a friend of mine or a girl who is very similar to me, that is when I will feel betrayed."

P.S. Silent Commitment? Happens only in movies.

News Today

I wake up to a wonderful morning and was startled by the following posts.

A man dies on the hospital doorstep while health care professionals ignored him. The passers-by were busy filming him. 11 medics suspended -The Telegraph

According to BBC, loneliness is a "major health issue." Loneliness has always been associated with early mortality, mental and other health conditions. I think people should remember that even though they are not in contact with people they would love to, there are still people around who would love to give them company. It is difficult but being satisfied with what you have can help.

And the biggest shock of all, Pakistan's only Nobel Laureate was banned from his own country. Abdus Salam, whose work helped in the discovery of the God Particle last week, was despised by the people of the country for being an Ahmadi and yet identifying himself as a Muslim. There are hardly any textbooks that  have his name.

Daddy...my Hero!

Yes! Yes! I knew it. I just had to speak to him. Open myself to him and I shall find my silver lining. Yes, all I can do now is work hard. Be the person I was in school and study and study and study. I remember a Hindi professor of mine telling me, "These days its not the hard work but smart work that is the key to success."

I had forgotten the former part and just remembered the latter. But truth is there is no shortcut to success. Hard work was, is and always be the key to success.

I told my Dad I am not talking to Scroogie unless I prove myself. Fair enough! Instead of condemning the gifts I have been bestowed upon, I need to utilize them to my advantage.

I just pray to God that this rekindled motivation keeps burning and keeps motivating me. Amen!

Kids today...

... are very particular.

So, I have a friend who has two boys. Mark, who is almost a year old and Dan, who is 3 years old.

Me (holding Mark in my arms), "Oh, he is such a cutie!"
Dan, "No, he is Mark."
Me, "But he is a cutie."
Dan, "No, his name is Mark."

A few minutes later,

Me to Dan, "Hey, I really like your red boots."
Dan, "These are rain boots."

Point noted Sire!

Forgiveness

I forgive you. 

Now why is it so difficult?

We have all been hurt in our lives at least once. It can be your parents who criticize your career choice, your friend who divulged your secret to your competitor or your partner who cheated on you. The hurt leaves us feeling angry and vengeful. 

Forgiveness helps us to get a grip on our life and focus on the more positive and happy aspects of it. I would not say that you should forget the wrong done to you but you need to be compassionate towards the person who has hurt you. This does not decrease or justify the wrong that was done. It just helps you to move on with your life while maintaining your peace of mind. It helps you to let go of the resentment and vengeance that leaves you feeling frustrated and miserable. A person who has hurt you is not worthy of the time you spend thinking about him. 

So how do we forgive someone?

It might take time but eventually you are able to forgive if you reflect a little bit.  I have had my share of hurts and I know I have hurt people too. I always imagine myself in their shoes when I need to forgive.  I was a victim once to somebody and by harboring resentment towards that person, I am making myself a victim again. It is better to exempt the person from offending myself any further. After reflection and developing a considerate attitude, a person can be forgiven actively and for good.

Today's Inspirational Quote

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death."

-- Robert Fulghum

Book Review: The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down

            The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is based on a true incident that explores the cultural clash between a Hmong family and an American medical facility. The conflict occurs over the care of a Hmong baby girl, Lia Lee who was diagnosed with severe epilepsy. Lia’s parents and her doctors both wanted her to recover but a lack of communication and understanding between them led to the struggle. Anne Fadiman uses The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down to convey the message that no matter how much the Western medicine has advanced, cultural factors are important for diagnosis, treatment and care.

            The Lees were a Hmong family that lived as refugees in Merced, California. They fled from their country, Laos due to warfare and political strains. They survived but half of their kids died during the escape. They also lost their identity as being self-sufficient, respectful and productive farmers and were forced to become dependents on Merced economy. Lia Lee was the 13^th child born to mother Foua and father Nao Kao Lee. She was suffering from epilepsy since the age of 3 months old. She was taken to the emergency room at Merced multiple times Due to a language barrier the parents could never communicate the symptoms correctly to the doctors. It was when she was taken into the emergency room during a convulsion that she was correctly diagnosed with epilepsy.

            Lia Lee was prescribed complex medications by the doctors. Her parents found it difficult to comply with the instructions. This resulted in Lia Lee being over-medicated, under-medicated or not medicated at all. Seeing no improvement in Lia Lee’s condition, her parents believed that huge amount of medicines was doing more harm to her than good. For them, “the crisis was the treatment, not the epilepsy” (53). Lia’s condition worsened to such an extent that one of her doctor’s recommended that she should be taken into foster care. While Lia was away, the parents went through a rigorous learning session to be able to give the right medications to their daughter. After they showed ability to comply with the prescription, Lia was returned to them. Despite being given the right medicines, Lia’s seizures did not stop. One afternoon, Lia went into status epilepticus, the situation that was feared by all her doctors in which her seizures continued one after another without any interval of consciousness. The parents believed that the child was returned to them in a “damaged condition” (110). The seizure and the septic shock resulted in Lia’s brain completely losing all its functions. She went into a comatose stage. Her seizures stopped since she was brain dead. Her doctors decided to take her off all life-saving treatments because they knew she was going to die. She had been living in the vegetative state for two years, much to the surprise of the doctors and was also lovingly cared by her parents, when Anne Fadiman first visited them.

            The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is a literal translation of a Hmong phrase, quag deb peg. In English, it is translated as epilepsy, a condition well known to every Hmong. The Hmongs receive this condition with both fear and gratitude. The condition is a burden on the individual undergoing the seizures and having hallucinations but the person is blessed spiritually. For the American doctors, diseases are caused due to changes in the normal functioning of the body and epilepsy was due to a malfunctioning in the brain activity. It had nothing to do with the soul.

            This book is an exciting story about the cultural aspect of practicing medicine. Other than this book, Fadiman has authored two essay books only. I would like to read them since I like her writing style. She is very clear in what she conveys that immediately gets into your heart. In Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Fadiman gives vivid descriptions of the war situation in Laos that resulted in the Hmongs escaping and transitioning into the Western world. She acts like a cultural broker. She interviewed everyone involved with Lia Lee’s case, listened to their stories, interpreted what they believed in and integrated their interpretations with one common goal, to save Lia Lee.

Despite many clashes of beliefs, Fadiman did a commendable job in presenting the correct viewpoints of both the Hmong parents and the American doctors. For instance, Lia’s parents considered her doctors, Neil Ernst and Peggy Philip guilty of Lia’s status epilepticus condition. It was not because the doctors had prescribed the wrong medications. It was because they went on a vacation and left Lia to be cared by other unskilled doctors. When Neil and Peggy heard this from Fadiman, they were completely shocked. Even when Lia was taken away into foster care, the parents had no clue why they were being separated from their child. They threatened to consider suicide so many times that Fadiman says, “Child Protective Services considered placing the entire family in a psychiatric hospital” (89). This sentence made me laugh as well as cry. The Lees were very loving and caring parents but they were legally declared as “abusive parents” due to their inability to follow the doctor’s instructions. At the end of the day, Fadiman concluded that everyone was striving hard to save Lia Lee. They were fighting from different sides but their ultimate goal was the same.

One of the most powerful incidents described in the book is when the child of Peggy Philip, one of the doctors of Lia Lee, was diagnosed with leukemia. Lia’s mother could identify her pain with that of Peggy’s. They were both hugging and shedding tears over their kids’ ailments despite all cultural barriers. This incident shows the humanitarian side of both the cultures. There are some feelings that are culturally universal. This motherly love surpassed any cultural judgments. With this I believe that Fadiman’s conclusion that the Hmongs are “differently ethical’ is contradictory. She said so because the Hmongs would cheat creatively on the written part of the driver’s test and lie about their age and marital status to gain benefits. This is just a way for the Hmongs to find a place for themselves in a place where they do not even understand the language. Every culture has a set of rights and wrongs but the ultimate cause for it is the human desperation to survive. It should not be considered differently ethical.

Although the book was very sad, I found it an interesting read. I learnt a lot about the Hmong culture. Also, being a pre-medical student, the book compelled me to consider the cultural aspect of medicine, which is usually taken for granted. It is very important for doctors to be sensitive to cultural differences and to try to provide care accordingly. In Lia’s case, a lack of a competent Hmong interpreter was a disadvantage but the Hmongs are so radically different from the Americans that even if a good translator were present, it would be difficult to find appropriate Hmong terms to explain the situations properly. The doctors should have at least tried to acknowledge the concerns of the Hmong parents. Cultural barrier in addition to illiteracy resulted in the parents giving wrong medications to their child. Due to deteriorating condition of Lia, the parents lost faith in the treatment plan. They believed that Lia needed some medications but she also needed chants, amulets and animal sacrifices. But for the doctors, Lia’s parents were the cause of her suffering.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is not really a “must read” book for premedical/pre-health students since it does not give a deep insight about the life and challenges in a medical school but it does enlist some chilling facts and personal experiences of doctors. It talks about cultural competence which people in the field of health care have to face in their careers. Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction, the book is based on well-conducted research about cross-cultural medicine with some very valuable lessons.

A person's first priority in life should be financial security.

Describe a specific situation in which a person’s first priority in life might not be financial security. Discuss what you think determines whether or not a person’s first priority in life should be financial security.

A person's first priority in life should be financial security. This means that every person should strive to achieve financial security in their lives before giving in to any other pleasures. In today's world, money is an important commodity. No matter how ethical and spiritual a person is, he or she can not survive without money. Money allows us to obtain the basic necessities of life such as food, clothing and shelter. Once the basic needs our fulfilled, we go ahead to buy the things we want for our convenience such as cellular phones, computers, car, and so on. To say that financial security should be a person's number one priority means that the person should be financially stable to care for family and personal health, provide three meals of a day and fulfill their wants for entertainment. It does not mean that a person need to live a very strict life. Going on vacations, eating out is permissible once in a while but it should be within the financial limits of the individual.

There can be times when a person's first priority in life is not financial security. For instance, if a person's family or friend has met with an accident then it is worthwhile to spend money on the person's treatment rather than saving it for future. This is a medical emergency and the money provided can save somebody's life. A person should not worry about future plans such as savings for retirement or for a vacation in Vegas.

So what determines whether or not a person's first priority in life should be financial security or not? This depends on the situation. If there is a medical emergency or a situation where money can help somebody live a healthy and safe life, then money should not be the first priority. Life pleasures like big house or two cars or fancy dresses can wait until other basic necessities and wants have been fulfilled. Ofcourse, the decision can be very subjective. A person can worry about his family and friends but he or she is not obligated to worry about a stranger who has been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. In other situations, where a person is planning on buying a bigger house or expensive dresses, a person should first consider his or her financial stability before making a decision.

Is this in your inbox yet?

One of the most emailed stories on the internet. Isn't it cute?

Objectivity should be the primary goal in reporting the news.

Consider the following statement:

Objectivity should be the primary goal in reporting the news.

Write a unified essay in which you perform the following tasks. Explain what you think the above statement means. Describe a specific situation in which a news report might justifiably not be completely objective. Discuss what you think determines whether or not objectivity should be the primary goal of news reporting.

  Objectivity means to present all the facts of an incident in a fair manner without mixing it with any personal feelings. Emotions vary from people to people. If reporters start reporting their personal feelings and prejudices about a situation, they can easily influence the viewers. For instance, if a country needs to decide  whether or not to host an event, there are many facts that need to be considered. The expense of the event, the place where the event shall be hosted, the economic and political stability of the country and so on. The viewers need to know all the pros and cons of the situation before they can make a decision. They can not get emotional about their country and make decisions.

Although sometimes objectivity is not the primary goal in reporting the news. For instance, the attack on the World Trade Center in September 11, 2001 resulted in loss of many lives. It is important to inform the viewers of the facts such as the planes were hijacked and redirected to attack the towers. But at the same time the event was sorrowful not only because the towers were brought down but because many lives were lost. In such a scenario, it is okay for reporters to express their personal feelings. In such a case, the reporters will merely voice the feelings of majority of people.

So what determines whether or not objectivity should be the primary goal of news reporting? I think the answer lies in the ultimate aim of news reporting. If the goal is to obtain people's opinion about a possible future event, then the news should be reported in the most objective manner possible. News reported should be fair and present all the facets of a scenario so that people can make informed decisions. But if the goal is to report an event that has already occurred, it is okay if reporters bring in their personal feelings. In this case even if lack of objectivity sways an individual's opinion, it will not be harmful since the individual does not have to make a decision.

Things I shall do on May 31st..or after that...

1. Buy a new nail paint
2. Order my curler and hair dryer...maybe a straightener, I don't know. Fairy already has one that I can always borrow.
3. Activate Facebook
4. Contact Siddharth...its been ages since I last talked to him
5. Go for shopping...eh..maybe!
6. Watch new movies
7. Watch Fringe, Once Upon a Time...
8. Meet Sarah, Courtney
9. Plan a nice birthday gift for Fairy
10. Cook
11. Go to the gym
12. Look for a new apartment
13. Call Richa Di and any other siblings I feel like talking to

ehhh...and anything else that comes to my mind.

Oh and on a totally different note, song for the day is Almost Lover. Thanks Minnie Mouse!

A song which can finally make me cry :D

My Mantra for today...

"We live in such a fast-paced world these days that we either don't know (if you're young) or we don't remember (if you're older) how much slower things were just twenty years ago. Today our cell phones ring all day, and we can have constant access to the outside world no matter the time of fay or where we are. We are used to instant gratification. So, when the computer moves a bit too slowly or someone doesn't assist us with something quickly enough, we become impatient. But once upon a time the world was a lazier place where pure, simple enjoyment was easier to come by. Try cultivating some simplicity and more patience in your life, and the rewards will be immense."

Good Morning with a Smile :)

Hello all,

Here are some links that make me laugh out loud.


This is what happens when you are too tired...

While some people....eh..read for yourself

Hope you like it and have a nice day :)

Some of my Inspirational Quotes

1. "I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person."
2. "Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day."
3. "Whoever you are, there is some younger person who thinks you are perfect. There is some work that will never be done if you don't do it. There is someone who would miss you if you were gone. There is a place that you alone can fill."
4. "Live life and take chances. Believe that everything happens for a reason and don't regret. Love to the fullest and you will find true happiness in life. Realize that things go wrong and people change, but things do go on. Sometimes things weren't meant to be. What is supposed to happen will work its way out."
5. And my favorite, "Love is sadness."

What makes you creepy?

I called it adopting good habits but it was called mimicry, too much or too little of which can be creepy.

What to do when exam date is approaching near?

Not more than 5 hours per week for friends, dinner and television? Yes, that is something which will definitely help!

What's cooking?

Roommate, "Hey can I eat the pasta for lunch tomorrow? And do you still need to eat it? Thank you very much for cooking."

(Of course I will still eat it. That is why I made a whole lot of it)

Me, "Lol. That's okay. You can eat it for lunch too since I guess I will not be home for lunch tomorrow. I just hope you like it."

Roommate, "Thanks! Actually I ate it a little now and couldn't stop eating. Lol. It was that good. Anyway, thanks again."

(Awww...!!!)

I now see why girls win all arguments!

After a long teasing conversation, Boy, "You will never be able to find the right guy." (still in playful mood).

Girl (angry by now), "Fine!"

She then starts working on the computer while the guy is sitting behind her, confused.

Boy, "Why are you angry? I was kidding."

Girl, "I don't like it."

Boy, "Even you joke about me being gay. I do not like it either."

Girl, "I do not know."

Pause.

Girl, "Tell me something, why did you yell at me yesterday? I still do not understand it."

Boy, "I was already angry at Professor Ignorant and you were constantly talking."

Girl, "How am I supposed to know that you are angry? And I did not do anything then why were you pissed at me?"

Boy, "Professor Ignorant had already ruined my mood. He wanted me to redo an experiment. First Professor Ignorant and then you....Umm...Professor Ignorant said he will email me the graph of methyl ester...."

Girl, interrupting, "What did you say?"

Boy, "Professor Ignorant will email me the methyl ester graph."

Girl, "No, before that"

Pause

Girl, "First Professor Ignorant and then me....? What?"

The boy comes up forward and leans on to the desk right next to the girl and started speaking slowly, "You both got on my nerves yesterday. He asked me to redo an experiment and you were constantly speaking and I was in no mood to listen."

Girl, "So if you have so much trouble with my blabbering, why do you even talk to me? When I try to stay away from you, you are the one who gets together with your friend and cracks jokes just to make me laugh. If you keep doing that I will be tempted to talk to you. "

Boy, smiling, "Hmm.."

Girl, "If you have so much trouble then I will not talk to you."

Boy, still smiling, "Okay."

Pause. The guy writes something with a marker on a glove and shoves it in front of the girl. The girl reads it and smiles which is immediately followed by a frown.

Girl, "Look I can not keep on going like this.If you do not want to talk to me then it has to begin from this very moment. Either we can talk or we can not. There can not be a middle way that you will talk to me whenever you want but when I want the same, I will have to consider your mood. How am I even supposed to know what is going on in your mind?"

Boy, surprised, "What do you mean?"

Girl, " How am I supposed to know whether you are in mood to talk or not?"

Boy, "Well..if I do not reply..."

Girl, "Okay, so you will talk to me whenever its your mood and what if I feel like talking to you?"

Boy, "See when you have trouble with your partner Demon, I never talk to you either since I assume that you want to be left alone."

Girl, "Yeah right. Yes, when I am with him I am very silent and that is because I detest him. He is a very rude guy and the only reason I am still his partner is because I do not have any other option. And I never let my anger out on you or your friend no matter how angry I am with him. I never yell at you. And you yourself decide that you should not talk to me then. I never said that to you. Whatever trouble I have with Demon is between us and has nothing to do with you and it will be unfair if I take out his share of my anger on you."

Boy, softly, "Not everyone is like you..."

Girl, "So what am I supposed to do?"

Boy,  "Okay...sorry!"

The girl still infuriated at the guy, remains silent.

The boy grabs his bag and is leaving when..

Girl, "Can you please keep that poster on my desk? I will still be using it."

The boy obeys and keeps the poster right next to her computer. He is leaving when

Boy, "Don't be angry. And sorry. Bye."

And ruffles the girl's hair.

All her anger melts away. Still facing the computer and with a smile on her face, she says, "Goodnight!"

Journaling

I realized today how important it is to journal your thoughts. You might have the most wonderful experiences ever but what use are they if you can not recall and verbalize them. It is very important to reflect upon them to know what you learned from them.

So my day began with a trip to the University of North Dakota School of Medicine.
It was an amazing experience, partly because I got to go out of Moorhead for a bit. Although it was not very much different from Moorhead but the ride, the conversations and the overall feeling of going on a class trip kept me elated at all times.

We reached there and were welcomed by the Chair of the Admissions Committee, a present physician and a soon to be physician (in 4 weeks time). They began by how their physicians are very much in demand since their med students get patient interaction from week 1. So they have a lot of hands on experience in dealing with every kind of patient. They are basically trained to humanize the applied science they learn in the medical school. Although the school is biased to good MCATs, good GPA and North Dakotan residency, it seemed like a decent school. I would have applied there if they considered international students at all.

We talked about a lot of stuff. From the medical school curriculum (consisting of 4 blocks per annum with 8 weeks per block) to the transition from undergrad to med school (basically requires self-motivation). We went on a tour of the building. It was good to see that they had a lunch cart in the building and students need not get out of the building and walk across the campus to get food. I like the idea but I am wondering won't a student ever get frustrated of being in the same building all the time.
We toured the library (Fairy's favorite place) but I thought it was really small. Only two floors. I would say MSUM has a bigger library than that. Although I did like the Room of History in Health Sciences in the library but I would rather like to have a library big enough where I am able to find a corner all to myself and get lost in books (like the library at the U of M St. Paul).

The soon-to-be-physician said, "Even if you screw up your GPA or MCAT, do not forget to live your life."
 I do not really want to comment on this right now.

Anyway we had lunch, I almost got left at UND since I was busy texting while my entire group was already settled in the van and all ready to leave.

Take Home Lessons
1. Explore as many resources as possible but nothing can substitute for good scores and experiences.
2. Try the campus physician for shadowing opportunity.
3. Build your hobbies, they will help you eventually.
4. Be able to talk about yourself and your experiences.

My day was a little more eventful than this but I guess that would call for another post.

A Cartoon Guide to Becoming a Doctor: How to be a Fast Resident

Some of the tips shown can be utilized even if you are not a resident while some could make things worse for you (if you are not a resident, ofcourse!). I wish I get a chance to abide by all of them someday.

A Cartoon Guide to Becoming a Doctor: How to be a Fast Resident: When I was a resident, I prided myself on being super fast. On the busiest rotations, I always managed to leave at a reasonable time. Thes...

Pill alternative for birth control?

The other day I was talking to a friend who simply can not go on the pills while she does not like any other birth control option available. The only option remaining is for her husband to go on birth control but what if they decide to have a kid later?? So here is an article that I found. If the treatment succeeds it could be a huge achievement in the scientific world.

LOL

Found this as a comment on one of the blogs that I follow religiously. I was not able to find a link to the commentator's blog but thank you Officer Cynical.

Man: "I want to report my car stolen."
Cop: "Is it a 2-door or a 4-door?"
Man: "2-door."
Cop: "So, like a coupe?"
Man: "No, a family car. 2 doors on one side and 2 doors on the other."

What is research?

Dr. Plant, "Research is like the Roadrunner Show. You are Wile E. Coyote in constant pursuit of the elusive bird."

Well Dr. Plant, I did get my DNA amplification method to work today, finally :)

Advice of the day

My friend, Miss Minnie on how to get over a man you are attracted/infatuated with:

"There will always be this sexual tension in the air when you are with him. You have to make out with him to clear the air....the only way to ease things with a guy is to get those urges out of your system."

Point noted :P

A Clash of Two Cultures

After such a long time, I laughed out whole-heartedly while reading a book.

So I am reading this book by Anne Fadiman called 'The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors and the Collision of two Cultures." I am doing it as a requirement for my Medical Anthropology class. And now I am glad I am reading it. Winner of National Book Critics Circle Award for this book, Anne Fadiman examines the cultural, linguistic and medical struggles when a Hmong girl was diagnosed with epilepsy and taken to American doctors for treatment.

I have not yet finished the book but I am already loving it and calling it one of my favorites. The book talks about the communication barrier between the American doctors and the Hmong parents that was preventing timely recovery of the little girl, Lia Lee. The parents loved Lia. They treated her like a princess. They were just not able to comprehend the prescription by the doctors. They would hence, end up giving wrong medications or skipping it altogether. The situation worsened to the extent that the Doctor recommended the case to the Child Protective Services to take away Lia from her parents for a minimum period of six months.

Obviously, the parents did not understand why their child was taken away from them. So, they threatened, a couple of times, to commit suicide if their daughter was not returned to them. That is when Anne Fadiman wrote, "The Child Protective Services considered placing the entire family in a psychiatric hospital, but decided against it." I think this is one of the saddest and the funniest lines I have ever read. You will understand it if you ever read the book.

Am I married?

Mr. Weirdo to Mr. Hat, "Can you do me a favor. Can you find out if she is married or not?"

Me, "What the...?"

Mr. Hat, "Sure. I can ask a supervisor and I know he will tell me."

Mr. Weirdo, "She says she is married but she wears the ring on other hand so that people do not know it. But that way other guys will get the wrong impression. Either she is doing wrong to her husband or she is doing wrong to me."

Me *Laughing!!!*

Mr. Hat, "Well if she is on the lookout for other guys then the husband is definitely not getting the job done."

Doctor Grumpy in the House: Of Flies and Men

Doctor Grumpy in the House: Of Flies and Men: Okay, for those of you live under a rock, you missed THE BIGGEST SCIENCE STORY OF THE DECADE yesterday. Now, we humans are what biology typ...

Crisis Management

With deadline approaching, it is easy to be stressed. There is always rent and groceries to take care of. No matter how important MCAT is for you , you can not go on and screw up your college grades. Plus, work and research is time-consuming too.

So how do we manage this stress?
Well to begin with we should remember that everyone has some insecurities. What is important is to focus on your positive aspects and strengths and to take care of the task at hand rather than lamenting the past or fearing the future.

It is important to be confident, to understand the steps of success and be eager and focused to undertake those steps. Confidence means that you should be able to visualize success but remember, there is a fine line between confidence and overconfidence.
So how do we differentiate between the two?

Well to say that, "I can do it", is confidence but to think that, "Only I can do it" or "I will do it without much effort" is overconfidence.
No matter what scores you get, stay persistent and determined and keep working and you will eventually see the results.
The ability to take the first step and the unwillingness to give up is the key to success.

With too many things going around, one should begin prioritizing things. First of all, survival needs such as rent or groceries and bills should top the list. Then if there is an immediate requirement of a friend or family, that can be taken care of. In my case, I would say I am there to help a friend in need and to talk to my family everyday (even if all I do is call them, let them hear my voice and hang up). But after that should come the studying of the MCAT. And when you are studying for it, that should be the only thing on your mind. Friends wanting to hang out, boyfriends or girlfriends, homework which is not due the next day, and so on....everything can wait.

Remember that now is the time when things can be controlled and not two weeks before the exam. When I say to people that I am stressed for the MCAT they suggest to me that I have 2 weeks after semester ends to study for it completely and so I need not be stressed. I can not really count on the future and remain all calm right now. I want to be able to control the situation at hand and not dream of a situation in future which might or might not take place. Plus, I need to sleep and eat healthy for at least two weeks before the MCAT.

So my mantra for MCAT studying is to remain focussed and not to give up. There will be distractions. There will be hurdles. But remember, its only for few weeks that I need to give up everything else. Once I am done with this, I can enjoy life as much as I want.

A Heart for the Work

A Heart for the Work...Journeys through an African Medical School by Claire L. Wendland. I read this book for my Medical Anthropology class. I am not really a big fan of this subject. So I delayed reading the book a week before the review was due. I wish I hadn't because I liked the books. Although a little boring in the beginning, it picks up its momentum from the second chapter.

Claire Wendland asserts that despite the material and technological strain if you have A Heart for the Work then you can always find a silver lining and help your patients. Medicine is considered to be neutral and beyond any cultural influence. Wendland says, "If anything lends itself to globalization, medicine does (7)." The book is an argument on how cultural, political and economic factors affect the medical training and motivations of students.

The book fascinated and depressed me at the same time. The things I learnt were very unsettling. For instance, the medical books used in Malawi are the same as used in North America and Europe but many of the medical techniques showed in the books remain only theoretical concepts for the medical doctors in Malawi. Even if they prescribe a drug or a test, they lack the resources to provide the patients with the help they need.

With students transitioning into clinical years, they experience anger and resentment against their government. They are demoralized by the workload and the lack of resources in the hospital and forced to compromise with their own ethics. Facts like doctors earn a lot and patient privacy is of highest concern are not true in Malawi. Also, a lack of protective equipments such as gloves and masks puts the doctors at risk of infection from blood and other body fluids. The students are frustrated because they are "charged to heal yet unable to do so (133)". The word resource is just a verb for them.

I think Wendland did a commendable job describing the situations that affect the personal values of medical students in Malawi. Her manner of ending each chapter with a subject story kept me intrigued throughout the book. At last, I agree with Wendland that biomedicine is influenced by culture and the studies done in the North does not represent the situations worldwide.