Almost Before We Spoke, We Swore

Natalie Angier provided a detailed analysis as to the reasons why people used bad language. Angier mentioned that it using bad language can help a person wash away stress and anger.  I believe that the way people express themselves depends more on the specific circumstances rather than the person in front of them. I usually used respectful language but if I become frustrated, I sometimes change my tone and respectful language. During the time that I have lived in the United States, I realized that some words that are considered bad language in the United States or other countries are not considered as uncouth in my native country of Colombia. Personally, I do not like to deal with arrogant persons or persons who routinely use bad language in their normal conversations. Nevertheless, I choose not to use obscene words or swear in the name of God.

On Autism’s Cause, It’s Parents vs. Research

Autism’s unknown causes create substantial debates because new scientific theories of the causes are introduced frequently. Thimerosal, a component of children’s vaccination, is the target of many organizations that blame this specific chemical for causing autism. I understand that people want to determine the cause of autism but I do not agree with the scientific community and government entities introducing Thimorosal if there is a small possibility that a child may develop autism because of Thimorosal. It is an unacceptable risk to bring a child to the immunization center to avoid future diseases such as polio or measles but subject them to a chemical linked to autism. The article of It’s Parents vs. Research was written by Gardiner Harris and Anahad O’Connor; two reputable New York Times writers on the subjects of science, medicine and health

The Wonderful Mistake

Lewis Thomas was a physician with an amazing educational background. Dr. Thomas wrote about DNA molecules and their relationship to evolution. Dr. Thomas noted the complexity of DNA molecules and the probability that humans are essentially a DNA mistake.

Although biology is not my favorite subject, I find early biological discoveries to be very interesting. I also recognize that technology and science improve every day but I have always wondered if we truly have all of the information about molecules. As new epidemics arise every day, scientists work hard to find solutions to these epidemics.   To that extent, whether science’s primary purpose is to discover future solutions or provide more details about evolution remains unanswered

Here I Am Taking My Own Picture

The Selfie is the new way that people share every moment of their lives with their friends.  Alex William wrote a very interesting article about this narcissistic tendency. Personally, I like to share pictures with my family because we live in different places.  To that extent, this new tool that allows me to take pictures of myself is great for me. However, I think some users exaggerate the use of “selfies” by posting “selfies” every hour to a largely inattentive audience.  I generally look at pictures of my family when a family member directs me to look at a photo to provide feedback on the photo. For example, my sisters like to send “selfies” when they change the hairstyle or undertake some other change to their physical appearance. William’s article is very funny despite the fact that it is not very clear whether the article was written prior to the consistent use of the word, “selfie”.

Young Adult Fiction: Wild Things

Naomi Wolf, a noted writer and evaluator of teenager books, wrote this article. Personally, I did not like the article because it made me concerned about the appropriateness of the content found in teenage books.  Specifically, I have a ten year daughter whose favorite activity is reading. Usually, we buy her books at Barnes Noble, which groups the book titles for children seven to twelve years old. A five year age range for the book material is fairly substantial. To that extent, it is very likely that younger advanced readers may be exposed to inappropriate content based on their reading level.  Wolf mentions that some books do not contain ratings or a recommended age range.  Moreover, this same book may have an innocuous cover or advertisements that may persuade a parent to purchase the book for their child.  However, the book may contain topics involving sex or drugs that are inappropriate for young advanced readers.

It’s a Dog’s Life: They’re Not Just Pets Anymore-They’re Teachers, Preachers, Shrinks, and Philosophers.

Allison Gillmor writes articles pertaining to the luxurious treatment that dogs receive from their owners in North America.  In many cases, the dogs are treated as if they are human. Some dog owners believe that dogs can think, understand human situations, and be able to rescue their owners from emergency situations.  Gillmor supported her article by analyzing many books about dogs.

     Personally, I have never had any interest in reading books about dogs. However, I know that canine passion can inspire both writers and readers because dogs are interesting and funny.  In the article, Gillmor quotes Canadian journalist, Roy McGregor, who says he is “old enough to remember when dogs were just dogs”. I agree with the quote because I remember having four dogs as a child who ate leftovers and spent most of their time outside. Most importantly, we were not required to clean up behind the dogs after they finished their “business”.

Currently, I have a dog-named “Waggy III”. Waggy III spends most of his time under my bed, eats only concentrated dog food, and is pretty much a “baby”. I have to clean up behind him all of the time. In many ways, some dogs have luxurious lives that many humans could not imagine.