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Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts

Friday, January 1, 2010

Television; More than Meets the Eye (Reasearch Project Declassified)

“No other medium can match television for the volume of popular cultural texts it produces and the sheer size of the audiences” (Barker 2003). This is true as watching the television has become such a daily routine for most people; especially in most children who spend more time watching the television than any other activities, besides sleeping, (according to kidshealth.org). Besides, the television also has the same influence on the older generations. Thus, it is obvious that the television can pose as a negative influence and have adverse effects on our society; because firstly, the television was responsible of racism and stereotyping late in the past millennium; secondly, it depicts risky behaviours in youngsters; and finally, the television may cause health issues.

The first example can be the part played by the television in the question of racism. Barker (2003) suggested that people of colour was simply neglected by the television or film producers. Until the new millennia the number of African Americans in TV shows was significantly low. This suggested that somehow the white Americans were ignorant of the black people and their culture. This causes racism to spread. Even with the introduction of programs that feature African-American cultures, such as the TV show, Amos ‘n’ Andy, the programs symbolized the degradation of black people and their culture (Barker 2003). Besides that, the TV had also been guilty of stereotyping. With respect to that, Bernstein (2002) suggested that audiences tend to accept these images and perceptions of the media without question. For example, as written by Medhurst (cited in Barker 2003) the famous English TV show, Mind Your Language used stereotypes to get popularity. Therefore, it is certain that the television had played its part in racism and stereotyping.

Moreover, the television encourages risky behaviours in the youngsters. It is certain that without strict control form parents, kids and adolescents would spend too much time in front of their television set. In relation to that, a survey showed that 5 out of 8 kids say that their peers were influenced by the TV shows. Consequently, according to parentstv.org, the television alone is responsible of 10% of youth crimes in America and studies have shown that watching sex on the television directly influences a teen to have sex. The 10% of youth crimes may seem little in percentage but in actual figures, it is an immense number. Furthermore, parentstv.org also revealed that 1 out of 4 adolescents whom had premarital sex were diagnosed with Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). These numbers clearly show that the television is spoiling our young generation.

Lastly, there are many who argue that the television is just a safe source of entertainment, relaxation time, or extra information. This is only true to a certain extent, as these beliefs can lead to health defects. Here is how; a normal person would have his left-side of his brain (for logical and analytical thinking) almost switched off when watching the TV, to allow the right-side of the brain to function as we imagine and fantasize more. Besides that, endorphins, hormones that induce happiness are released when we tend to use our right-brain more. Hence, making us want to watch more as our minds are in a happy and relaxed state. Watching more television would then increase our weight because the television also, somehow promotes intake of sugary and fatty foods and lessens the time spent on exercises. As a result, more people would suffer from obesity and diabetes and could be fatal. In addition, children can also suffer from such health problems. Also, sleeplessness which can affect one’s health and emotional status -such as, depression and fatigue- can be caused by addiction to television. Thus, it is obvious that the television has a part to play in our societies overall health and fitness.

In conclusion, like other forms of modern media, the television has many adverse effects on the society. However, its popularity has made the majority had overlooked all of its potential dangers.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Newspapers, biggest liars (Research Project Declassified 2)

A young professional picks up a newspaper at a local vendor and walks to the cashier to pay just a small amount for at least 50 A3 sized pages of extra knowledge. However, how much of this news is true? For this reason, researches have shown that the newspapers have adverse effects on the society; firstly, because newspapers can provoke unnecessary fear among the public about infrequent dangers; secondly, news presented by newspapers can have negative influences on the publics’ as it can change the public’s perception of events; and finally, newspapers can offer readers a “false choice” as the news can be chosen by other parties besides the publisher.

Firstly, newspapers have become such an influence on the public that it can provoke unnecessary fear in most people. These fears are mostly the fear of crime and the fear of natural disasters; both, in actual fact, are rare events. Most of the public now is ever fearful of the fact that they might get mugged or killed for money; being abducted, raped or killed by a big wave. Although these unfortunate events may be a rarity in reality, it is not necessarily the case for the newspaper readers. Williams and Dickinson (1993) revealed with a survey that newspapers tend to publish more articles on crime and dramatic events such as natural disasters and rape cases. This makes readers think that the dangers are close to home and happen regularly, as they are reminded time and time again. Hence, news articles project a perception that the events have happened seem to happen more frequently. For example, the newspapers published more about the likelihood of another tsunami hitting South East Asia, as the news was popular then. News is obviously exposed to misrepresentation, as everyday events cannot be reflected by newspapers (Williams & Dickinson 1993). Thus, the newspaper can instill unnecessary phobias in people.

Besides that, newspapers are often written in different ways and causes misinterpretation; as writers can plant emotions and biased views into its readers just by changing the style of writing. The way news is written can be so influential that Quinney (cited in Curran 2002) suggested that an individuals’ perception of crime may vary due to the different newspaper he or she reads. This can be harmful to the society when/as newspaper companies are owned by different radical groups or individuals, or sometimes opposing political parties in the same country. It is also stated in Curran (2002), that actions have been taken and put into practice to ensure the media’s support for the dominant government and private interests. Hence, newspaper companies can be used to bring about among the public, negative thoughts, anger or false impressions by articles. For instance, the demonstration that started due to the capture of Hindraf representatives; the newspapers produced news articles with pictures of water cannons firing at the crowd, which may have depicted the demonstrators as criminals. Therefore, it is certain that the newspaper can cause misinterpretation by the public.

Finally, most readers may think that the newspaper is a complete, precise and convenient source of information. Readers tend to think that all news are of truth and covered everything relevant to our world. This is false, because newspapers are often influenced and their posts mediated by the state government, in each newspaper. Curran (2002) revealed several ways that governments use to get broadcasting or the main advertisers they want, such as laws and regulations, censorship and licensing of a publisher. Advertisers too can control the newspapers as money and sponsorship is a key survival tool for newspaper publishers. For instance, if other companies are not comfortable about placing their advertisements in it; the publishers will suffer large losses, thus closing down due to bankruptcy. This forces publishers to overwhelm their newspapers with popular articles and do not have space for other unpopular news, which maybe crucial or important to a certain society. Important news, such as civil wars in Africa does not have much popularity or coverage because the publishers and its partners do not have influence over African countries. Therefore, it is true that newspapers have outside parties that control their posts and choose the posts for their readers; giving the readers a false choice.

The newspaper is more than meets the eye of an average reader. We can conclude that although the newspaper is a crucial source of information, nevertheless, it can also be of negative influence to our society. What is worse is that most of the public do not notice these ill effects.

Saturday, September 19, 2009

DID YOU KNOW?

These are very awesome videos; crucial statistics and fun facts...


In five minutes these videos can tell you a lot so keep your eye glued..





DID YOU KNOW VIDEO..





AN OLDER VERSION..
Just one year apart and so many things have changed..





CONSERVING ENERGRY


So, what does this mean to you?


Sunday, September 6, 2009

Autism: Minds in Puzzles

Some are unpredictable and fascinating; some endlessly fascinated; some are dysfunctional yet talented; unusual behaviors are just the norm for them but a lot of us do not understand this fact. The earlier part of the latter sentence would have been a little confusing for you but that is just my point. Those who "suffer" from autism are really puzzling as scientists believe their minds work in puzzles.

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); yes, its a spectrum disorder, which means that the autistic society comprises of people who suffer from minor symptoms to those who suffer major effects. ASD still puzzle scientists and experts. They cannot find the source of the occurrence and a cure to this disorder. Plus, there is no effective treatment as the the spectrum is extremely wide. Scientists have tried to link ASD to special genes and traits but they are still not certain how everything relates.

Here's a write up my comm. serv. group has come up with.
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It can occur any person from any community or society and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate, relate to others and also the ability to learn like an ordinary person.

Autism spectrum disorders can usually be reliably diagnosed by age 3, although new research is pushing back the age of diagnosis to as early as 6 months. Parents are usually the first to notice unusual behaviors in their child or their child's failure to reach appropriate developmental milestones. Some parents describe a child that seemed different from birth, while others describe a child who was developing normally and then lost skills.These lost of skills or difference described by parents are usually learning a social disorder.

Although parents may have concerns about labeling a toddler as "autistic," the earlier the diagnosis is made, the earlier interventions can begin. Currently, there are no effective means to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments, and no cure. Research indicates, however, that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for at least two years during the pre-school years can result in significant improvements for many young children with autism spectrum disorders

-adapted from ProjectM.A.D.(Project: Making A Difference)-

Many famous inventors and artists are autistic. For example, Jane Austen, Thomas Edison, Vincent van Gogh and Albert Einstein were speculated to have been in what is now called the Autism Spectrum. Though these are only speculative, there were many accounts and proof to support such speculations. That's most of the things I know and learnt about Autism, as research all around the world continues, and more information is squeezed out and if you want to know more about Autism, visit www.autism.com/autism/ or just Google "what is Autism". It just takes a few minutes of your time to help understand what has become a big part of our society.


And if you are living in the Klang Valley and would like to offer help leave a me a message...=)

Monday, August 10, 2009

What The Health?

WHEEEEEEE!! BAM!! BOOM!!

The terrorists from the 9/11 incideny are killing more than intended!

Researchers have found new cases of cancer of the immune system. So, how does that relate to 9/11 terrorist strikes? Apparently the four patients diagnosed with the rare cancer had worked at the 9/11 ground zero.

Two of them spent many days in the rubble (one in the rubble "dumpsite" at some dumping island) and the other two, spent only a fortnight there. Unlucky they really are. Who would know helping the U.S. of A would kill them? Actually, I do, but hey, they're Americans..Though, I'd never thought such a thing would happen. Cancer of the immune system? They all have a condition called multiple myeloma..very rare in ppl under the age of 45. In fact, only one patient from that age group was diagnosed with this cancer ever, in the world's history. So, right now, there's five..

So, now I'm thinking, Jaya came crashing down, rubble, fumes, in my lungs? what's next? platelet cancer? Guys, be very careful, weird health issues are coming up; but don't live in a bubble either. I know the last sentence may be contradicting so therefore, count on ye blardy luck mates! =)

Friday, August 7, 2009

A Community Service Message


YES, it's on H1N1..

Goodness gracious, people who has flu or cough, wear a mask or stay at home and get screened. I know wearing a mask is not the most suitable and fashionable way to match your face with your clothes but its for the sake of others; especially ppl close to you (not including ur loved ones who are at home).

But somehow, Malaysians are just, -searching for a word- well, MALAYSIANS. I was in an elevator with another couple; this lady wearing a mask came in and the couple, got worried and moved away from the poor lady (who was just trying to be a good citizen); not only that, the couple covered their mouths and noses and staring at the lady as if she had bathed in piss.

I was annoyed. So, I looked at the lady, smiled and signaled to her to not bother about the couple. LMAO. When ppl use masks, you don't really need to cover your holes anymore, cause if the masks do not work, you think your hands would? -Jamie Oliver wasn't talking about H1N1 prevention when he told the TV world that "our hands are the best filters". -

I thought that the lady did her job as a civilized Malaysian; I shall not describe the couple...My point is, if you have the symptoms take precautions like wearing a mask or staying at home (not till the extent of infecting your family). Take initiative, we are Malaysians heading towards a brighter future and Wawasan 2020. Humans develope nations, therefore our brains must "develope" first or our nation won't.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

My thoughts on H1N1


This type of flu (Influenza A(H1N1)), is an a$$ of a virus, it spreads fast but kills rather few; so when the worldwide alert goes out, the chillin' and laid back Malaysian people took it for granted. Just like what most of us would do to fliers distributed in public areas; throw it in a recycling bin, no wait, -we don't do much recycling here- the drain or the closest place we find dirty enough for trash. So, when reported deaths hit the newspapers, everyone goes havoc and starts getting all worried. So now, a helpful group of young community loving teens cant get to do some "community helping". Yes, I was apart of that group, you caught me. Therefore, I repeat, its an a$$ of a virus, no wonder H1N1 looks like "HINI"
when handwritten -which can be pronounced like "HINEY"-.

Influenza A(H1N1) .... People suffering from this virus attack can die of other diseases including a normal flu and guess what, there's great resemblance between the normal flu and this H1N1; so, ppl die thinking its just a normal flu. Yet, we Malaysians were so comfortable going around in public places making contact with random and likely infected ppl just a few weeks ago, while numbers for infected patients started to rise in Malaysia. Now, there are 13 deaths (06/08/09). Some people even thought their late family members were just having the typical flu, so they didn't bother to get themselves screened. They would have only lost ten points in a game show for a wild guess like that, but in reality, they'd lost a life and maybe caused others their lives too due to contageous infection. Kudos to them!

So, ppl living on Earth, please be notified, check yourseves and check again to see if you have the virus. Its just unfortunate and coincidental that there's another virus going round, it ain't Influenza A(H1N1) but its no reason for you to not check yourself; now please dont flatter yourselves in front of the mirror. Remembering the late Mike Jackson's song - Man in the Mirror; "if u wanna make the world a better, go and check yourselves at the nearest clinic".

I also read about the health ministry limiting throat swabs for suspected patients, great way to curb the virus eh.. this pregnant woman had difficulty breathing after catching a flu for a few days but the nurses told her she couldn't get a throat swab because she did not fully (100%) fit the criteria to get tested.. Way to go Doc's, you could have killed two there; how sick has the mother and her soon-to-be born child got to be to get tested? Sick enough so the test results would confirm their cause of death? Lucky enough, this family were a smarter bunch, took themselves to a private hospital for treatment and survived to tell TheStar their story. Quoting the article's last 3 paragraphs:

How ironic when I read last week that the Health Minister said the latest directive was to have all high-risks groups treated really fast although they had yet to be confirmed with the influenza A (H1N1) virus.

To improve the identification of patients infected with the virus, he said a new set of guidelines would be issued to doctors on how to “increase the index of suspicion of patients with influenza A (H1N1)”.

Only now after the disease has spread and the casualty number has increased are we talking about early detection!


Really, I'm just pissed at how Malaysia was handling this when it started, especially after hearing what officials had to say when the number of deaths started rising. Other countries would be laughing at us going "I told you so!". Where were the notifications? I didn't see it in the newspapers, I saw notifications around my college but is that enough? What about he schools that were closed down, did any information get through to students there? What's the use if our leaders controlled the media? All the news we got was about a man's death and how it suddenly relates to racial tension, and how one party disses the other (which disses me instead) but not about a worldwide pandemic...What The Fenomena ?(WTF?) Papers should have reached out to most ppl, if not, Astro would. The government licensed Astro, use it for the good of the country for Malaysia's sake!