Entry #7 Dumb Men

Let's Discuss!

http://www.dumbmen.com/

        A website created to examine commercials that portray, "Stupid Men and Male Bashing in Commercials. Exposing the Stereotypes of Men in Advertising".

     Basically the website is a free for all posting site. It does not look like there is any specific person making posts, but anyone, and all posts seemed to be based on opinion. Despite the website slogan the website videos have more than one that is absolutely irrelevant. For example, the cat video has no relation to the supposed purpose or meaning of this website. 

    It also looks like no one has been monitoring the website for awhile considering there are 17 videos that are "not available". 

  The commercials portrayed on the website are humorous but the website looks beat down and unprofessional. The entire website is based off opinion and half of the content either gone or not related. There is also no information about the authors of the website giving their audience no credibility.

  What do you think about the website? Do you feel engaged with at all? Do you feel any factual information has been included in the posts? Feel free to leave a comment below on your thoughts.

(Extra Credit Entry) Capitalism Rhetoric

Capitalism: A Love Story

Recently I've watched Michael Moore’s film Capitalism: A Love Story in my English 102 class. 
Before I watched the film I thought it would be extremely boring as well as a waste of time, but now I find myself wanting to watch his other films. The film itself was very insightful. I loved the humor and realism in the video. The film includes real people and real life situations that have happened in the past.

During the film many situations were exposed and Michael Moore was quick to give his sources. Although, he didn't just give his sources, he interviewed them, referenced them, and mentioned them multiple times to ensure the audience knew he had reliable sources. During the movie Moore would get different perspectives just to make sure he wasn't getting a biased opinion. For example, when he interviewed more than one priest to tell the audience why they believed capitalism was evil. While he did give different sources the only thing I struggle with is that he interviewed priests he had relations too and not only that but he also practices in the Catholic religion. 

All in all, I did find the film very insightful and it gave me a whole new perspective on capitalism without putting me to sleep. I would very much recommend this film for those who like humor and want to gain some perspective in the process. I would estimate that 80% of the film was definitely not biased but mainly factual. Although some parts can be questionable. With such a controversial subject though, I believe this film was very well displayed. 

Have you ever watched a Michael Moore film before, if not would you? Did you think the film was biased or in any way opinionated? Please feel free to comment your thoughts below and as always thanks for reading my blog!

Entry #6 (Self-generated)

Herbs & Natural Remedies

  Many health related issues can be dealt with right at home. Although, serious health issues should be examined in a hospital, many minor health issues can easily be helped with natural remedies.  For example, some herbal teas that can be made right at home are:

•  Nettle: Is one of nature's best remedies for an assortment of ailments including anemia, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, coughs and colds, congestion, urinary tract infections, and kidney and bladder problems.

•  Chamomile Tea: soothes the stomach and relieves bloating and indigestion. Chamomile tea is also known to fight insomnia by relaxing the body and the mind, enabling the person to fall asleep naturally.

•  Green Tea: comes with such a host of health benefits, lowers cancer risk and also inhibits carcinogenic in cigarettes and other compounds when imbibed. Green Tea contains potent antioxidants called polyphenols, which help suppress free radicals, also stops certain tumors from forming, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels and thereby promotes heart health.  Green tea also lowers blood pressure, prevents and fights tooth decay and dental issues, and inhibits different viruses from causing illnesses.

With these few and many others, herbal teas can be made and mixed together to give great health benefits.   Although many herbs are best drank as tea, maybe with a little honey (which can never hurt you but only boost your immune system), some can be added to meals and still give you the same type of health benefit. For example:

·         Dill: A digestive tonic to help soothe indigestion.

·         Garlic: A wonderful antibacterial that is great for treating colds and bacterial infections. Boosts immunity and helps clear out toxins.

·         Dandelion: This common weed is a great digestive tonic as well as bladder curative. It helps stimulate the kidneys to increase urine production, which helps flush out your urinary tract.

·         Marijuana: Good for easing nausea, treating glaucoma, boosting appetite and managing pain.

   Besides eating and drinking, herbs can be made into tinctures, lotions, and ointments to be used in first aid. Some Antibacterial Herbs include:

Calendula: can be used in first-aid to heal wounds, prevent infection and treat pink eye.

Clove: is typically used as a topical analgesic (it has a natural numbing quality!), it can also be used to combat intestinal bacteria. For internal use, use in cooking or make a cup of clove tea.

Garlic: is more effective against several types of bacteria than penicillin. Garlic is also friendlier to the body than antibiotics because it attacks the offending bacteria without wiping out the body's normal flora. Garlic can be used as a tincture, capsule, infused in oil or simply added to your diet. (If cooking with garlic, avoid heating past 130 degrees as that will decrease its potency.)

Oregon: grape root is a potent antibacterial herb, especially when combined with echinacea. Do not take if pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have a history of diabetes, stroke, hypertension or glaucoma. Take as a tincture, but not for long-term treatment as it can decrease Vitamin B absorption.

Marshmallow Root: soothes, lubricates, softens and heals. Marshmallow root also contains tannins found effective against bacteria found in urinary tract infections. Marshmallow root can be taken internally as a tea.

Usnea: is used to treat urinary tract infections, strep and staph infections, respiratory and sinus infections as well as fungal infections like yeast and vaginosis. Usnea is best used as a tincture. No known precautions, but consult an herbalist before using in pregnancy.

Yarrow Flowers: have a number of different uses. As a powder, they stop bleeding quickly. Infused in water, it speeds the healing of canker sores. As a tea, yarrow is used to fight urinary tract infections. Because it can cause uterine contractions, avoid during pregnancy. 

Some Antiviral Herbs include:

Astragalus: is one of the antiviral herbs that works by boosting the immune system. Taken internally, either as a capsule, tincture or buy adding it to soup, astragalus root is known to increase your body's defense against viruses. Astragalus root is best used as prevention, so take it during flu season or before going places with large crowds of people. Avoid if you already have a fever.

Cranberry: is a potent defense against urinary tract infections due to its ability to make the bladder lining too "slippery" to adhere to. Full of antioxidants, cranberry also has antiviral properties and prevents plaque formation on teeth. Cranberry can be taken in a capsule or as juice (make sure it is unsweetened).

Elderberry: is used as a remedy for viral infections like the flu and common cold. Elder stimulates the circulation, causing sweating, effectively cleansing the body. Elderberry syrup is the common delivery method and 1-3 tablespoons can be taken per day during infection. Leaves, roots, seeds, and berries of the raw plant contain cyanide-producing compounds and should not be consumed without cooking properly.

Ginger: is used to prevent and decrease duration of the common cold. Ginger can be taken as a tea, in capsule form, or added to meals.

Licorice: is antiviral and antibacterial. It is commonly used for gastric ulcers as it kills H. pylori that causes ulcers without upsetting the stomach. Steep these antiviral herbs as a tea and drink by itself or blended with other herbal teas. Avoid during pregnancy.

Mullein-infused oil: is a great remedy for ear problems, including ear infection, especially when combined with garlic. Use the mullein flowers to create an infused oil.

Olive Leaf: is used to treat the flu, common cold and herpes. Olive leaf can be taken as a tincture, capsule or tea mixed with mint. Avoid during pregnancy.

Ways to use Herbs:

Herbal teas: To make an herbal tea, steep 1 tbsp of antibacterial or antiviral herbs in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes. For children, use 1 tsp herbs in the same amount of water.

Herbal infusions: They are steeped in water for several hours in a tightly sealed jar. Using a quart-size canning jar is best because they can hold up well to boiling water. Once prepared you can drink them iced or heated, add them to baths for soaking wounds or sore muscles or used to make compresses or poultices. Put a handful of dried herbs in your canning jar. Fill the jar to the fill line with boiling water. Secure the lid tightly and let it steep until the water has completely cooled. Strain out the antibacterial or antiviral herbs and enjoy.

Infused Oil:

You'll need:

·         An oven-proof dish

·         Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

·         1 cup jojoba or coconut oil

·         1/2 cup antibacterial or antiviral herbs (one herb or a combination)

·         Clean, dry jar(s) to store your oil in

·         Labels

Heat your oven to 200 degrees, then turn it off. To your oven-proof dish, add the oil and herbs, then stir them together. (If the coconut oil is solid, let it melt first in the oven, add the herbs and stir). Put the dish in the oven. After 3 hours take out the herbs and strain the oil into your clean jar(s). Label and store in a cool, dark place.

So next time you think about chugging down some Nightquil or taking an aspirin, try using one of these herbal remedies that can be grown and made right at home. These are easy to consume, good on the body, and cheap to make. Would you ever use these remedies? If so which one do you think would be the most helpful for yourself? Thanks for reading my blog and please comment your thoughts below!

Entry #5 Local Story Respond

ASU

  After reading this article: 

http://archive.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2011/02/22/20110222arizona-state-university-shorter-classes.html

 I can see both the positive and negative sides of shorter classes being offered at ASU.

 As listed in the article the positive side include to give students more scheduling flexibility, financial savings, as well as drawling more students to the university.
 The negative side include mixed reviews from the faculty at ASU, others worry that the accelerated format won't give much time for actual learning.

 I personally feel as if the stress and short amount of time offered in the short classes would make the students go insane.

Yet I do agree. I think these classes should be offered. It does not mean all students must take them but the fact that they are offered give students options. 

  At the end of the article Jason Reynold's says, "I think it's good they are offering it..everyone is different". I completely agree with this. The classes should defiantly be an option, but not mandatory. 

What do you think of these accelerated classes? Would you take them? Do you think students would actually have time to learn things or would be working to finish the work and get the credit? Comment your thoughts below and as always thanks for reading my blog entry! 

Entry #4 (Self-generated)

Is Love Only Chemicals?

A very interesting topic that has been clouding my mind is the research of the mind and personality when it comes to "love". Many research studies have shown that the concept of love comes mainly from the chemicals in the brain. The chemical is called Dopamine. This chemical makes someone feel happy or excited. In the early stages of a romantic relationship dopamine is usually the most noticeable chemical active in the brain. It floods the brain in a matter described as fireworks. 

 Attraction happens often in life, but once you get attached to the person the brain then starts to get addicted to the dopamine that floods in. 

Once you have "fallen" for your significant other, your brain becomes more relaxed and starts to control the doses of dopamine. 

After attraction and connection, the brain starts to release oxytocin. Oxytocin is shown to be key to fostering trust and commitment. This is released into our brains during times of intimacy, such as when mothers breastfeed their babies or an orgasm during sex. Unlike dopamine, oxytocin is more subtle and sticks around longer, leaving a deeper attachment with your significant other.

This is ultimately why relationships are unable to last a lifetime. The reason for cheating and divorce isn't because couples just became unhappy, it is because the chemicals in their brains became overused and either stopped producing or became numb. Lastly, I found that the stages after a harsh breakup can even physically pain you. While it's all not real physical pain, the emotional pain you are overwhelmed with in your brain causes your brain to make it feel like physical pain. Research has shown that while it can be hard to recall how much something hurt a year ago physically, for example scrape on the knee, emotional pain can be recalled and re-experienced for a long time. 

What do you think about these studies and the chemicals that activate in the brain during intimacy? Do you believe physical pain is worse than emotional? Comment your thoughts below and thanks for reading my blog! 

Entry #3 Slanted Reporting Quest

Slanted Reporting All Over the Internet!

  An unavoidable thing every person comes across once in their internet driven life is slanted reporting. First, what is slanted reporting? It is when something is done in a way that gives more attention or support (bias) to a particular person, group, or idea.

  For example the case where Ann Coulter is caught red handed giving false statistics, bias opinions, and non-credible resources.

  As seen in the YouTube video Ann Coulter is giving resources from her book that were obviously bias resources to support her accusations and claims. This may be your reaction after the video:

  But think, when people try to back up their facts and statistics using other resources, usually these resources also were based on other resources, in a never ending continuum. So Ann Coulter was not necessarily wrong by using the resources she did, it was just the fact that her resources were not reliable. Therefore this makes Ann Coulter's book unreliable. So if anyone uses Ann Coulter's book as a resource they would need to be very picky in the parts they used, if any, and check her citations carefully.

  What do you think about Ann Coulter's resources and statistics? Have you recognized slanted reporting on the internet before? Feel free to comment below some of the things you have seen. As always, thanks for reading my blog!