Sunday, July 26, 2009

The TakeHome: How music can be used by physicians

Part VI: Natural potential
Music can be used as a tool by naturopaths because it apparently has a cumulative effect. Encouraging young patients to cultivate a love of intricate music has the potential to prime them for self actualization. The implication for those seeking to increase their IQ is evident. However, on a much more general every day level, music may be explored to help with mood and arousal, and to help balance depression and anxiety. Abraham Maslow defined the parameters needed to reach the ultimate in an individuals personality. Reasoning through the humanist perspective, all individuals have a positive push of inner-directedness that if unimpeded will move us towards our fullest potential and growth. Music can be a powerful guide in our journey for this self actualization. It can aide in this by giving us the tools to perform at our very best in several cognitive tasks, including spatial reasoning. There is also potential to rebuild the right hemisphere of the brain after the effects of trauma.

In the end
Unfortunately, research is severely lacking in research of varying forms of music. It is clear however, that music primes the brain to work harder, work better, increase capacity, regulate mood and arousal, and to perform spatial reasoning and other cognitive tasks. Repetition is key, the more you make use of this phenomenon the more you will get out of it. The earlier in life you begin to utilize this phenomenon the longer it will last and the more you will get out of it. Because the style of Mozart and his contemporaries in a up-tempo, major mode is ideal for performance, it is beneficial to cultivate a love for this style as early in life as possible. However, if that is not the case, more familiar and enjoyable forms of music will have similar or better results as listening to classical music of the like. Learning to play, read, and compose music will further increase your brain's capacity to perform tasks, and memorize. Though hyper-focusing may have the potential to suppress some of your innate creativity and spatial reasoning abilities. However overall, the costs don't outweigh the gains, as you will be more likely to be proficient in both hemispheres of the brain, just not equally. Women and men may not differ nearly as much as would be expected in perceiving emotion in music. Though women did show a significant advancement over men in certain cognitive functions, spatial reasoning was not one of them. Spatial reasoning abilities among men and women are fairly consistent between the sexes when listening to classical music in both a major or minor mode, but music in the major mode (cheerful) has a more positive effect on cognitive tasks. Cultivating a love of music and thinking about it in both a right brain intuitive mode, and a left brain logical mode will help the individual reach their fullest potential.


References

Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K.N. (1995). Listening to Mozart enhances spatial-temporal reasoning: Towards a neurophsiological basis. Neuroscience Letters, 44-47.

Schellenberg, E. Glen. (2005). Music and Cognitive Abilities. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14 (6), 317-320.

Brandler, S. & Rammsayer, T.H. (2003). Differences in mental abilities between musicians and non-musicians. Psychology of Music, 31(2), 123-138.

Rauscher, F. H., Shaw, G. L., & Ky, K.N. (1993). Music and spatial task performance. Nature, 365.

Sutton, C. J. C. & Lowis, M. J. (2008). The Effect of Musical Mode on Verbal and Spatial Task Performance. Creativity Research Journal, 20 (4), 420-426.

Campbell, D. (2001, 1997). The Mozart Effect. New York: Quill HaperCollins Publishers.

Leeds, J. (2001). The Power of Sound. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press.

Jausovec, N., & Habe, K. (2005). The influence of Mozart’s sonata K. 488 on brain activity during performance of spatial rotation and numerical tasks. Brain Topology, 17, 207–218.

Pert, C. (2000). Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind [CD]. Louisville, Colorado: Sounds True, Inc.

Influencing factors of Music's effect

Part III: Style
Music's benefits are vast. It can adapt mood, adapt positive thinking, strengthen survival skills, and sympathy (Leeds, 2003). These are among the improvements that music can make on peoples lives. All music genres have significant implications for the mind. Dr. Alfred Tomatis' research on the workings of the inner ear were undoubtedly the precursor for the focus on Mozart's music and spatial reasoning. Tomatis focused on Mozart's music namely the violin concertos numbers 3 and 4 as having the strongest ability to positively effect students capacity to focus and concentrate. Music can have a positive or negative effect on spatial performance tasks. Sutton and Lowis found that when music is sad (often minor in composition) it can make the listener sad, and depressed people show impairment in spatial tasks because depression effects the arousal in the right cerebral hemisphere of the brain which is associated with cognitive spatial processing. Overall, the Sutton-Lowis study showed that cheerful music enhances spatial reasoning more than sad music, and that this is because music elicits and emotional response. They also found that the degree to which and emotional response is elicited is similar in both men and women.

In a 1995 experiment done by Rausher, Shaw, and Ky, their work suggested that listening to a piano sonata composed by Mozart lead to increased spatial reasoning performance. They also found that listening to repetitive music does not aide in spatial reasoning. These findings are in correlation with Shaw's statements, "We suspect that complex music facilitates certain complex neuronal patterns involved in high brain activities like math and chess. By contrast, simple and repetitive music could have the opposite effect." Shaw suggests a possibility that banal music or sounds may have and adverse effect on the mind and brain functions. Just as highly intricate music containing complicated melodies and rhythms have a positive effect on he mind's ability to reason spatially, simple, repetitive, monotonous music may have the opposite effect on the mind's ability to reason spatially. The latter may actually regress the mind's ability, if even for short periods of time.

Age Matters

It is found that the impact music has on spatial reasoning only last from 10 to 15 minutes in adults. This is a temporary effect. However, it can have cumulative effects concurrently. Therefore, the more you make use of this phenomenon the more readily and quicker it will manifest. It is also of note, that the younger the individual is when in a musical environment, the longer the effect has been shown to last (Schellenberg, 2005). It is apparent that music has a cumulative effect because the younger the person is when introduced to music the longer potential they have to hold on to the benefits of this phenomenon. Schellenberg noted that the phenomenon looses its longevity the later in life it begins to be implemented. He also said that the more it is used (even later in life) the greater its magnitude for positive results. Though listening is sufficient to prime the brain for a boost in spatial tasks performance, learning to play the music is significant in perpetuating longer lasting effects (Schellenberg, 2005). In a correlative test of 147 children and 150 undergraduate adults, (using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III, or WISC-III and the Wechsler Adult Intelligences Scale-III, or WAIS-III respectively) Schellenberg concluded that the effects of music on cognitive abilities are greater with more exposure to music regularly and can be long lasting.

To musician or to non-musician
Though differences in certain cognitive functions between musicians and non-musicians exist, the differences between the two in terms of spatial reasoning did not favor the musicians according to Brandler and Rammsayer (2003). Researchers were surprised to find this to be the case, but hold their finding as reliable as these results were consistently shown by four Cattell’s Culture Free Intelligence Test, Scale 3 (CFT) subscales. In explanation, that they warn is "a preliminary, highly speculative, possible explanation ", they suggest that perhaps our thinking of relegating music to the right hemisphere (because music stimulates the right brain more than the left brain) of the brain should be revised. It is certain that highly skilled musicians utilize both the right and left brains to carry out their musical lifestyles. However, the memory aspect of their mind may dominate over the reason part. This is indicative of a diverse array of mental abilities in musicians and contrasted by a stronger yet more base mental ability in non-musicians. Therefore, "early extensive musical training" results in a change to the cortical organization. This augments the left brain functions of the musician, while diminishing the innate musical abilities of the right brain. This is reminiscent of how in Western education, schooling may lead to strengthening the left brain while neglecting the right brain.

Sounds of Sex
Though there were differences between certain cognitive functions between men and women, the differences in spatial reasoning between the two groups was not significant in the Sutton-Lowis experiment. Sutton and Lowis are interested in determining the differences between sexes when they listen to music on both their verbal and spatial reasoning skills. Overall, they tout that music has an ability to increase spatial and verbal reasoning, and their data supports this claim. However, the most significant correlation was found between women and verbal reasoning. Though the other sectors had over all improvement, their amount of improvement were nominal in comparison to the increase found with women in verbal reasoning. Their study is particularly noteworthy because there is a severe lack of research on the differences of how the sexes are effected by music. Sutton and Lowis found that the degree to which an emotional response is elicited is similar in both men and women.

References available in Part VI

Music and the Neurotransmitters who love it

Part II: Effects on the brain
Music's uncanny influence on spatial reasoning was one of the key correlations that began the work to develop an understanding of music's effect on the brain. Spatial reasoning functions are located in the right hemisphere of the brain. Spatial reasoning is a function processed and elicited in the right hemisphere of the brain. The right brain is categorized by emotion, id-based thinking, feeling, intuition, impetuousness, and creativity. This hemisphere is often marginalized in Western culture and relegated to dreams in most individuals. The left hemisphere is categorized by logic, reality, mathematics, language, and strategy. Music is also attributed to right brain functions because it stimulates the functions of the right brain more than the left brain.

Music can place the brain in an optimal arousal mode (Schellenberg, 2005). Music can effect emotion (Sutton and Lowis, 2008). This happens on a psychological and physiological level. Much in the same way some narcotics mimic the neuronal patterns of some neurotransmitters such as epinephrine and endorphins, to mimic their pleasurable sensations (Pert, 2000), music effects spatial reasoning by mimicking the same firing pathways neurons undergo when we successfully concentrate and focus (Campbell, 2001, 1997). This is why increased concentrating and focus occurs in close proximity of listening for adults. The younger the individual, the longer the effect last because their brains are at the start of creating familiar firing pathways. In addition, their cells divide more often creating the potential to create more daughter cells with receptors primed to perpetuate the pathway. Explained in part by the idea of association and the Hebbian theory of synaptic activity and efficiency which is often summarized as "the cells that fire together, wire together". Sutton and Lowis suggest that music is a communicator that is adept at communicating emotion. In a 2005 experiment conducted by E. Glenn Schellenberg he found that music effects spatial reasoning in part by arousing the mind of the participant. By putting the brain in an optimal state of arousal, this attributed to increased performance. He also attributed increased performance in spatial reasoning to changes in mood directly linked to the major (cheerful sounding), up tempo Mozart selections. Therefore, arousal primes the brain to do more work, and music works as a exercise to strengthen the brain.

References available in Part VI

Music's Effect on Spatial Reasoning

Part I: In the beginning
Music is a part of every culture, and yet it is often taken for granted as it is so ingrained in daily life. Music is one of the broadest elements in our world. New genres seem to sprout every day. It is always developing and evolving, ebbing and flowing. There is little doubt as to why it is listed as one of the seven intellectual fields enumerated by Howard Gardner. Scientist and researchers give a thorough explanation of music's link to cognition and spatial reasoning. These works can give anyone a basic working knowledge of how music effects spatial reasoning, and how it may be used for self improvement. Exploring music's effects on spatial reasoning may help unlock a valuable tool for health and healing.

Professor of Education at Harvard University, Howard Gardner listed music and spatial reasoning as two of seven types of intelligence in the 1980s. Spatial reasoning is called various things including spacial intellect and spatial-temporal reasoning, among others. Though differing phrases may attempt to evoke a particular tone, spatial reasoning is at the core of each understanding. Spatial reasoning is involved in manipulating 2-D images into 3-D images with your mind's eye. This may involve physical navigation, mental imagery, hand eye coordination, and spatial relationships. This skill is used by all. However, it is particularly important to engineers, architects, and computer game programmers. From playing video games to planning out how to arrange furniture in an empty room (topography), spatial reasoning is the core component. The degree of an individual's spatial reasoning capacity can be tested for via an IQ test, as it is a component of intelligence. On IQ tests, spatial reasoning is often tested by the individual attempting to recreate a particular sequence of colored blocks. Some IQ test utilized by the following studies include the Stadford-Binet Intelligence Scale, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III ( WISC-III), the Wechsler Adult Intelligences Scale-III (WAIS-III), and the Cattell’s Culture Free Intelligence Test, Scale 3 (CFT). I have reviewed six articles that explore the relationship between music and spatial reasoning.

What's the phenomenon?
It has been found that music, to varying degrees, positively or negatively prime the cells in the brain to perform spatial reasoning tasks (Jausavec and Habe, 2005). An experiment conducted by Rauscher, Shaw and Ky with undergraduate students in the mid 1990s showed that their IQ scores (Stanford-Binet) rose by 8 to 9 points after listening to music composed by Mozart. It was also found that this effect lasted only temporarily, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This phenomenon was dubbed "The Mozart Effect" (Rauscher et al., 1995). Sutton and Lowis (2008) note that "Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky reported a short-term enhancement in spatial-temporal reasoning following listening to Mozart music". Rauscher conducted an additional experiment in 1998 where he found that certain music increases test subjects' performance, concentration, focus, and spatial reasoning tasks. These results were elicited through a testing format. Rauscher concentrated on the effects of classical music. Don Campbell, author of "The Mozart Effect" credits the music of Mozart and his contemporaries with the ability to "stimulate learning and memory" and "strengthen concentration abilities". Sutton and Lowis found that the phenomenon works without the listener focusing on the music. The emotions elicited by the music act on a subconscious level. The music was not a focal point but rather background music predominately relegated to the preconscious. Furthermore, none of the participants expressed a conscious awareness of the music during their debriefing sessions with the researchers.

Further research (Schellenberg, 2005) has found that music improves social skills, mood, and other cognitive functions in addition to spatial reasoning. This phenomenon is significant and unique because though music is the method, the benefits and improvements extend to non-music related abilities, the results are consistent, and they are most likely to occur by listening or playing music than by other activities. Schellenberg broadened the research substantiated by Rauscher (1993) by noting spatial reasoning and other cognitive ability links to music other than classical. He found that music that is familiar, or enjoyable to the individual often has even greater potential to strengthen these cognitive tasks, with spatial reasoning being at the forefront. To broaden the term, Schellenberg renamed this phenomenon the "arousal-and-mood hypothesis", thus indicating the link between the benefits and the emotional state of the individual. Schellenberg also noted that the emotional state of the individual primes cognitive functions to enhance in ability. Thus, listening to music has the capacity to effect the brain, emotions, and mind set.

References available in Part VI

Friday, June 19, 2009

!!!HAPPY JUNETEENTH 2009!!!/Senate apologies to Blacks

Juneteenth, June 19th, is one of my favorite occasions. I look forward to it every year. I keep thinking, maybe next year, Google or Yahoo! will have a special design for their logo to spotlight Juneteenth... One day...

For anyone oblivious to the occasion, it marks the most recognized end to slavery. The story goes thus:

The Emancipation Proclamation (Lincoln) was a law abolishing slavery and freeing ALL slaves in ALL of the United States. It was issued on September 22, 1862, and was supposed to be effective as of January 1, 1863. However, that news (and enforcement) didn't quite make it to the poor slaves in Galveston, Texas (and other Eastern Texan localities) until June 19, 1865. Yeah... a whole flippin' 2 and a half years after the law was active. (Those law-breaking, self-righteous, Eastern Texan slave-holders really burn me up!!!) On that day, as the story goes, Union General Granger and troops arrived in Galveston not only to enforce the emancipation of the slaves (I bet they didn't get 2.5 years of back pay... I know!!... efforts should be dedicated to getting their back pay to their ancestors!! I think there's a word for that.....) but to also take over possession of Texas. Juneteenth started being celebrated in Galveston the VERY NEXT YEAR. Strawberry pop anyone.......?

It's interesting that recently the Senate apologized for the first time to United State's African-American descendants for the atrocities of slavery. (They really need to apologize to Africa for the atrocities of the American Slave trade... what? You think pilfering millions of Africa's strongest men and women didn't adversely effect their lives for centuries?) Among the apologizers where Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa and Sen. Brownback of Kansas.

Oh well, it just a twisted ritual of America. The apology means little to me (it does little except assuage some people's guilt, and give others ammunition to rationalize deplorable points of view), but I know it means something to some people, and for that, I smile at it.

!!!!!!!!!!HAPPY JUNETEENTH 2009!!!!!!!!!
RBG UP!
UHURU
HOTEP!!!
PEACE

Why wouldn't the US aide Iran?

The Iranian people are obviously speaking. And not only in Iran, but also with protests near to me in Toronto, Canada.

I love protestors. I was happy to see the people raising awareness of the people, the Tamils, and the military in Sri Lanka. I was even pleasantly surprised when several people walked on to the Gardiner Expressway and shut down traffic. What power protestors have!

Will it just take time for Obama to step up more than just feeling remorse over what happened with the recent Iranian election? John McCain spoke to Congress recently about his dismay with the Obama Admin's stance of inaction. Of not wanting to meddle.

Elections are supposed to represent the voice of the people. But often that is not the case. Where are the groups of equal size, marching for their satisfaction with the President?

The US should begin aide of Iran by giving an ear to the Iranian people. By getting them chance for a collective international voice. The media is so restricted there right now, save images of the Ayatollah. What are the people to do?

When the people do something they have never done before, its because they want change.

change...

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

'Get your ASS OUT the car, and WALK HOME'

I really feel for mothers and fathers like Madeline Primoff, Darlene Ong [1], or even mai Mom and Dad who have felt the need to put an underage child out the car to walk home for misbehavior. I feel for mothers like Primoff who have been JAILED for such action.

First and foremost, DONT MAKE EMPTY THREATS. Do what you say you are going to do, or don't say it. This is the only way threats like "Don't make me pull this car over" are ever actually going to be effective. If you’ve set a history with other things that you do what you say.

This issue has come to light in the news recently because Primoff and her mother were in the car when they put out her 10 and 12 year old daughters for 'acting out'. The mother was trying to teach the girls that if they behave badly, then they will have to suffer in a way that they wont like. Primoff (or her lawyer rather) said that she and her mother dropped the girls off on the street, drove around the block, and when they came back to retrieve them, the older girl was there, but the 10 year old was missing! Apparently, a passerby took the 10 yr old for ice cream and then dropped her off with a police officer. (Thank you passerby for not being a crazy person. I hope Primoff is thanking God for that.) Primoff called to report her daughter missing and when she arrived at the precinct to pick her up, Primoff was arrested and jailed overnight for abandoning the child.

Ok, wow this is 'Get your ass out the car' gone WRONG, terribly, terribly wrong. Could I ever image making my child walk home for bad behavior? HELL YEAH! Would I ever make mai child think that I was going to leave them somewhere they didn't know and where they couldn't get home from... NO! Inducing abandonment issues shouldn't be the goal Mom. ABC News didn't make it clear as to if the girls were dropped off at a place they knew and could possibly get home from.

Factors have to be taken in to consideration to effectively enact ‘Get your ass out the car’. (This tactic was supported by the ‘expert’ on ABC News though she said you should drive alongside the child as they walked.) If you think there's a possibility you would enact this sort of disciplinary action on your child, why wouldn't you have a premeditated game plan?

Factor Q: Number of offending children? There is strength in numbers. I'd be more likely to drop off 4 children than 2.

Factor X: Will the children stay with each other if I drop them off? 'Get your ass out the car and you better not come home without your baby sister or this will seem like a walk in the park!" Obviously Primoff didn't think that one thru. I can't believe her 12 year old let the 10 year old go off on her own. I know families, where even if you are fighting, the parents have set up a system whereas the older siblings know they are responsible for the younger ones. I mean lets keep in mind, 12 is babysitting age!

Factor Y: What’s the weather like? What time of day is it? Are the children dressed appropriately?

Factor Z: Do the kids know the area? Do you as a parent know the area? How long will it take them to get home or to their destination? In mai childhood neighborhood I could ride mai bike to the park that was 15min away. I could've walked from there if I was interested in exercising. So dropping a 12 yr old there in daylight to walk home could be totally appropriate behavior. Also, I grew up in a rural country community, I wouldn’t drop a kid off on Skid Row in LA even if it was a short 45min walk to mai front door.

I think making children walk home can be a useful tool if it’s not used in the heat of the moment. That’s where this situation went wrong. If Primoff would have thought out the situation she probably wouldn't be in such hot water. I dont disagree with the practice totally, but I do think the way Primoff went about it was irresponsible. I mean, a passerby picked her child up! Thank God the ice cream wasn't drugged and she was delivered to an officer... but it could have just as easily gone another way. 'Get your ass out the car and walk home’ can only be enacted when the risks have been calculated and its used as a teaching and discipline method not as an unthought about whim the parent goes on. Each situation is different, so assess your situation before you enact this, but there IS a place for it. If they piss you off 25 miles from home, wait till you are 4 miles from home, and make em walk if the factors line up. ‘That’s right Billy, you’re ass was made for walkin’, so that just what your bad ass is gonna do. I love you, see you when you get home’



1. ABC News

Friday, April 24, 2009

Gameplay- Do you want to be my boyfriend? Check Yes or No

Men and women ARE different, and how we interact with the opposite sex is significant, and depicted about how we view our roles in society. I just had an interesting conversation with two 20-something women* about male/female dynamics in budding relationships. Laney's been married one year, Mona's been dating a guy for one month, and me, married for 5 years.

Mona is anxious to know if her relationship has reached exclusive boyfriend/girlfriend status, but isn't sure about how to find out. She's considering having a friend ask the guy, in a round-a-bout way. Laney advises to 'hold off' and let the guy take the initiative in that respect. Laney finds it best to wait for men to say 'I love you' first because ‘men like to do things like that’. She believes woman can be assertive without being dominant, and that not letting the man take the initiative is usurping his dominance. She says women can be assertive by ‘getting what they want’ without having to have a discussion. She has a girlfriend who's been wanting to say she loves her guy since a few months into their relationship, but has been waiting for 3 years for him to say it first, and therefore doesn't quite know where their relationship stands. I say, if you are in a relationship (where you desire longevity), ask questions flat out, clearly, and as they arise. I don’t see a place for poor communication and inhibition in a healthy adult relationship. I see finding a back-door way of talking about things with your partner so that he feels more like the 'direction-setter' as a form of playing games that everyone should avoid. I am a big believer and appreciator of feminine wiles, but I like to ‘get what I want’ by talking it out.

I'm sure part of my POV comes from my distaste for men who shy away from assertive women. Is being 'too domineering' a concern that women in fledgling relationships ?All men are different, as are situations and relationships. Most would agree that there are times when the woman should say 'I love you' first and such. But the true question is: Is there ANY circumstance where a woman who questions the status of her relationship should wait for the man to establish it before asking questions? Is she gonna 'run off' the potential love of her life? Should you ever stay silent from your partner when you have questions? Should you play 'harmless' covert games to find out what you need to know?

I feel like NOT asking questions as they arise is putting your life on hold. If he wants to be exclusive and so do you, fine; but if he doesn't, and you don’t find out, then you are going to turn down other dating opportunities. How's that fair?

*Names have been changed to protect Mai

ProgressiveU: http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/mai

Gaia: http://markmaiwords.gaia.com/blog

Hood Doctors: http://thehooddoctors.ning.com/profiles/blog/list?user=3ld643w6vk6z9

Wordpress: http://maiweblog.wordpress.com/

Monday, April 20, 2009

'Not to offend anybody, but I just don't think gays should be getting married'

Yikes, touchy subject right? This issue is on the minds of millions. But this is essentially the response that Miss America first runner-up California's Carrie Prejean gave last night on the Miss America Pageant contest. Infamous online celebrity gossiper, and totally gay dude Perez Hilton asked Prejean the tough question. (I felt sorry for the girl when she got it. I mean Miss Arizona had to answer a question about how she got her childhood nickname- lame.) Hilton was obviously not excited by her answer. Though it was neck in neck all night between the top two, Miss North Carolina's Kristen Dalton (gorgeous blue gown btw) won the title. So did that question cause the title for California? And would that be 'just'?

Its funny that Prejean is from California because I tend to think of Cali as a liberal, (somewhat hedonistic), live and let live, anything goes sort of atmosphere, though of course you get all types everywhere... (I mean I don't think fiery Miss Utah was Mormon but I don't know...)

There is never going to be a time where everyone in the country supports marriage equality. There's never going to be a time where we all agree on everything. Keeping that in mind, should Perez Hilton 'hold that against' Prejean? Can a Miss America who doesn't support marriage equality accurately represent this increasingly diverse nation?

I too was brought up with a religious background that doesn't support gay lifestyle. That shouldn't be a big surprise, I dont think most people are. However, I was also brought up not to pass judgement on people. You can still like people and recognize that people are good people without agreeing with everything they do, basically. I also happen to be pretty liberal. And I think that politics and laws are not currently governed by religious morals (beautiful wicked world).... so therefore, its not just (by law/politics/etc) to have unequal marriage rights, en mon avis...

I say all that to say, thought I dont agree with Prejean 'per se' it had to be pretty difficult for her to answer Hilton as she did. And there's a lot to be said for standing your ground. I'm proud of that in her, and I'd like to be proud of Miss America.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

'Synecdoche, New York'- WTF? Too abstract for its own good?

"Synecdoche, New York" is an intriguing, thought-provoking drama about_______________________________________. (fill in the blank)

I'm formulating my ideas and processing my feelings about this work, and have chosen to do so before I research any reviews or analysis so that I can keep my thoughts as pure as possible. But artist and cultural activist Erykah Badu's lyrics come to mind, "What good do your words do, if they can't understand you?" Can art be too abstract for its own good?

This film reminded me of a well thought out play. It's no secret that plays are generally thought to have more depth than movies. I believe this is because (among many things*) the generally short time span plays encompass as opposed to films, and therefore the audience in invited to experience the entire world of the piece infinitely more than with cinema. However, this film spans nearly 2 decades (I think). I still felt like I was watching Angles in America by Tony Kushner or perhaps In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks. That delightful heavy feeling you experience with a show like that, was felt while watching this film. I was so impressed.

Generally, plays tend to lean towards the abstract more than films. Synecdoche, New York was definitely abstract. In this work we follow a theatre director named Caden though several romantic and familial relationships as he attempts to understand himself, a goal he never achieves (or perhaps only slightly achieves by having his life completely manipulated by a theatre director playing himself). He is awarded a MacArthur Fellowship ("Genius Award") and plans to create a huge production to tout his skills. He sets his pseudo-performance art style play in a warehouse and has a cast as large as the community of people he surrounds himself with. Let's just say its a MASSIVE production. The play is never fully mounted (I think).

It's not an easy film to describe. I recommend everyone see this thought-provoking film. What did I take away? A reinforced idea that life is obscure, and the relationships within are based on an innumerable amount of absurd details. That happen to be fascinating because of what they may suggest about one another. (Why where the psychiatrist's shoes so damaging to her feet and why did she ignore it? Why was Hazel's house always on fire?) I also remember that life is not about the individual. Keeping this in mind should put ego, paranoia, anxiety, and selfishness in perspective.

It seemed that Caden (was he ever really sick? and was there anything significant about Olive's green poop at the film's start?) was unable to overcome the stress with directing his own life, though he was astute in directing actors. Eventually, an actor, playing Caden as a theatre director had to direct him in his everyday life until his death. Or had he become just another actor in the play?

This film will leave you with plenty of questions.

Footnote:
* films make more money and have the luxury of being as trivial as they want because they have a larger audience

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Ozone Therapy: Methods, Practioners, & Safety

Topic: Methods of administration, safety, importance of skill of practitioner

Ozone therapy and generators must only be administered and handled by trained practitioners to ensure safety. No ozone need come in contact with the respiratory system for this therapy to be effective. Medical grade ozone used in therapies is diluted to a point that can be utilized by our bodies. Trained practitioners can regulate the volume and concentration of ozone production and regulate the quantity administered. This is of utmost importance because all substances in the body out of proper proportion will cause adverse effects. This is true of common medications like aspirin, elements such as magnesium or chlorine, treatments such as radiation, or even the purest of substances, water. Ozone generators are used by taking pure medical grade oxygen and sending electric currants through it, causing the oxygen molecule to decompose, and recombine with other oxygen molecules to form O3, ozone. The ozone gas is then pumped into a closed system (i.e. bottle, tube) which allows no ozone to escape into the atmosphere. This unique quality of ozone decomposing after 40 minutes adds to the safety of administering this gas. It can not be stored, thus no more is produced at a time than what is required. This makes for very little chance of exposing it into the atmosphere. However, if it where to be released in to the atmosphere inadvertently the amount of ozone would be very small. There are a plethora of ways to administer ozone therapy. Autohemotherapy is a predominate intravenous method. In this method anywhere between 50mL to 200mL of the patient's blood may be extracted and combined in a closed system to a bottle with ozone gas or a melange of ozone gas and oxygen gas. The two substances are then gently agitated to instigate infusion. The oxygenated blood turns bright red and is then injected back into the patient's blood stream. Ozone therapy has also been administered via drinking oxygenated water, using oxygenated oils, intramuscular injection, ear insufflation, and ozone bagging to name a few.

Additional Notes:
Ozone generators are extremely safe when used correctly.
Ozone depletion is of grave concern. CFCs have depleted the ozone for years via refrigerators and other appliances, also aerosol cans.
Oxygen has little potential to cause harm if inadvertently exposed in the atmosphere.

More on Ozone Therapy

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51628-dispelling-ozone-myths-science-it = Myths about Ozone

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51624-ozone-therapy-key-foundation = The discoveries of Dr. Warburg, Dr. Watson, Dr. Varro

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51620-ozone-therapy-are-potential-cures... = How Ozone is believed to fight cancer

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51645-why-ozone-kicks-oxygens-ass-ozone... = Why Ozone is better at fighting cancer than Oxygen

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51675-ozone-therapy-methods-practioners... = Methods of administration, safety, importance of skill of practitioner

http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51622-usa-behind-cuba-and-europe-progre... = History of use, present day usage, and lack of study

Monday, April 6, 2009

Why Ozone kicks Oxygen's Ass: Ozone Therapy

Like it or not one day, in this crazy, beautiful, wicked world pot will be decriminalized, plus sized models will prevail, abortion will stay, gays will marry, people who don't love the constitution will stop being villianized, and alternative medicine/therapies will flourish. We've seen limitations on stem cell research be lifted, and one day, hopefully sooner than later, we will see more research and practice of Ozone therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells (Warburg). Second, cancer has a viral component (Watson). Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone (Varro). Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

Why use ozone, a known carcinogen which (when tropospheric) may harm the epithelial tissues in our lungs, in oxidative therapies instead of O2 exclusively? The noted and influential Dr. Erwin Payr said, "Ozone can do what oxygen cannot". Ozone is molecular oxygen with one or more extra atoms of oxygen; the more oxygen atoms to disperse, the more effective at diffusing oxygen into the body. Due to the small quantity of ozone required per treatment, (and therefore small amount produced at a time) it poses little threat to our atmosphere. Unstable ozone requires less energy than stable O2 to undergo reaction. Once ozone is infused into the blood, it quickly breaks down into oxygen, readily oxidizes blood and tissue cells, and rapidly circulates more oxygen in the blood stream than O2. Anne Schadde author of O3zone: A Homeopathic Proving says, "The intense reactivity of ozone is explained by suggesting that one of the three oxygen atoms is in an 'atomic' state. On reacting, this atom is dissociated from the O3 molecule, leaving molecular oxygen, O2. The molecular oxygen, O2, is not reactive at ambient temperature and pressures. However, the atomic oxygen, O, is far more reactive" (6). Ozone's 18 electrons have a high energy, making the molecule highly reactive and unstable. This is apparent by its short lifespan of about 40 minutes. After about 40 minutes before ozone decomposes back into oxygen molecules and atoms. In an email exchange with London-based ozone therapist Steven Salem Karim he writes, "The difference between medical Ozone and Oxygen is in the physical and chemical properties...Ozone is far more unstable and has more energy. This energy can be released in a number of ways and can effect the way it reacts with other chemicals or biochemistries. Oxygen is a very stable element and needs more energy to react with chemicals and other biochemistries. These characteristics between Ozone and Oxygen is why Ozone is way more powerful as an oxidiser. The oxidation potential between Ozone and Oxygen is that Ozone has much greater oxidation potential than Oxygen...I describe it as a super enriched oxygen" (8).

The discoveries of Otto Warburg, James D. Watson, and Joaquim Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer.

Research opposing viewpoints for yourself, as I did. Cut out the middle-man and see sources with YOUR own eyes. They are truly easy to find. Check out comments on mai other blogs in this series. What works for some, doesn't work for all, and vice versa. BUT IGNORANCE WORKS FOR NONE. If you or someone you love are in need, and knowledge of this underrated treatment could help you, I'm fully justified and proud to shed more light. This is NOT the first medical care that people have villianized only to later tout as advanced.

"EDUCATION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN IGNORANCE- dont be shamed into not knowing. Its always ethical to be well informed." - mai

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays, sources located at http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51624-ozone-therapy-key-foundation pertain to whole the series.

Additional Notes of Interest:
This is why ozone is often called "supercharged" oxygen.
Some experts define ozone as a molecule having anywhere from 3 atoms of oxygen to 5, 6 or even as much as 21 atoms of oxygen. If this is the case, then that would even boost ozone's ability to effectively distribute oxygen in the body.
There is no getting around free radicals, which are charged and spinning around in lone orbit searching for another electron to pair up with. The problem with free radicals comes in when they are disproportionate in our bodies.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Do you watch movies for free online? Wolverine Leaked

A full length version (though unrendered) of the unreleased movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine was leaked on the internet.

Ethics-noun
a set of moral principles, esp. ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct

Let's talk about nethics- (a new word as far as I know- I like making words lol). ethics using the medium of the internet.

I only found out around this past January that you can watch (without downloading, but streaming video)full length feature films online (I can hear the youth laughing cuz I'm way behind the times). I told my 60 something yr old mother, and she didn't believe me. 'How could you possibly in any way be able to watch feature films online, soon after their their releases (let alone before!) for free?' Mai own mother didn't believe me, until I showed her.

Most online movies are usually 'bootleg' copies, where someone paid to see the movie at the theatre, videotaped it and put it on the Net. But honestly, I still don't know how an unreleased movie like Wolverine could be leaked UNLESS by someone working on the film. However, before the net, you could BUY bootleg copies from street vendors, but now they just put it on the net for no profit? That's kinda weird. A sort of recession time, entertainment- Robin Hooding? You decide...

It's theft. It's wrong. But its a de facto practice by many.

Pro
Movies require millions of dollars, and make millions of dollars, movie stars and celebrities make exorbitant amounts of money performing (often producing great works of art) essentially a needless service.

When I was about 8 or 9yrs old, I was angered, confused, and saddened to the point of tears when I understood the wage differences between athletes (celebrities) and teachers. I didn't understand how such an important job (teaching), was so less monetarily valued. Now of course I understand the industry of art and the industry of education...

We are in a recession, and it's survival of the fittest, would Darwin watch movies for free online??? I'm not sure, but I believe many who watch movies online wouldn't wouldn't bother to watch them at all if they weren't online.

Con
Bootlegged films will make less money. The stars will be the last to suffer.
Sure the studios loose money, but in the most direct of ways the movie theatres will be hurt. Their janitors, popcorn vendors, ticket sellers, the average working people. Not to mention the people who work tirelessly at places like BlockBuster.

With this in mind, are they still worth watching in this manner?

Friday, April 3, 2009

Dispelling Ozone Myths: the science of it

Legend Carlos Santana recently made a public statement that he wished President Obama would seriously consider legalizing marijuana (boy would the prices rise!) because the revenue could potentially pull us out of a recession (true). He said this is overdue, and likened it to the end of prohibition on alcohol. I see the progressive medical potential in the USA with the more liberal tone, favoring states to rule on medical marijuana. I hope this same progress will extend to the research of Ozone therapy sooner than later.

Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant, swarming with myths. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

Ozone is an unappreciated disinfectant. Ozone is created naturally as well as by man-made ozone generators. It is formed by sunlight, lightening, or electricity and oxygen atoms. In the stratosphere, 6 to 31 miles up, ozone is a layer of protective gas that filters harmful ultraviolet radiation rays from the Sun. However it allows energy rich, life dependent sunlight to pass to all organic life-forms, while filtering the invisible UV light. In this sense, ozone is like a layer of sunblock on the earth that protects all organic life-forms. It is known to kill bacteria, fungus, yeast, and other pathogens to stop infection. Ozone can be very beneficial in the fight against cancer to clean out all the toxins that accumulate as waste from cancer cells, and dead cancer cells. Prominent sources including the International Ozone Association (IOA) and Dr. Andrew Weil founder of the Integrative Medicine program at the University of Arizona site ozone as being the most effective method for water treating facilities to make water fit for human consumption, making ozone even more effective than chlorine water treatment. The IOA said, "Ozone is the most powerful oxidant available to man. It is an effective bleaching agent and a powerful disinfectant, killing bacteria and funguses more rapidly than chlorine. Viruses and carcinogenic substances, which are generally not affected by the other conventional chemicals used in water treatment, are also oxidized by ozone" (1). Ozone is also a successful method for treating sewage. However, many know ozone in relationship to smog, the dark clouds often seen in large metropolises. Smog is a gaseous mixture which may include nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. Though ozone is found in the composition of smog, ozone is attempting to clean up these toxic elements. Scientists measure the amount of ozone in a given area to signify how much smog is present. However this can be misleading to the general public when in fact the ozone present is an indication of how much ozone is available and thus how quickly the smog is being broken down. In The Use of Ozone in Medicine co-authors Rilling and Viebahn say, "...ozone is used to measure the degree of pollution (in smog), but not the cause, which is often erratically assumed" (1). It's therefore often misunderstood that ozone will cause the body to be consumed with free radicals. Free radicals are any molecules that have one unpaired electron. Our bodies naturally produce free radicals which destroy bacteria and fungus and fight infection when they are in natural harmony with the antioxidants that the body produces. In Oxygen Healing Therapies author Nathanial Altman says, "Free radicals are produced by the body to deliver energy to the body's cells...also play an important role in regulating the chemicals the body needs for its survival, such as hormones" (2). However, if they become disproportionate, they can cause problems. This is why healthy bodies produce antioxidants to combat the free radicals by donating the election they need to become stable. "Antioxidants are enzymes that protect cells from free radicals by chemically changing them into harmless compounds like oxygen and water" (2). When antioxidant levels are low in the body free radicals can run wild. Often times antioxidant supplements are suggested to help fight free radicals.

The discoveries of Otto Warburg, James D. Watson, and Joaquim Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer.

View opposing viewpoints, as I did. They are truly easy to find. Check out comments on mai other blogs in this series. What works for some, doesn't work for all, and vice versa. If you or someone you love are in need, and knowledge of this underrated treatment could help you, I'm fully justified and proud to shed more light. This is NOT the first medical care that people have villianized only to later tout as advanced.

"EDUCATION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN IGNORANCE- dont be shamed into not knowing. Its always ethical to be well informed." - mai

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays, sources located at http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51624-ozone-therapy-key-foundation pertain to whole the series.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Ozone Therapy: The Key Foundation

Well since the government are lifting limitations (stem cell), and select states are growing more liberal with their medical marijuana regulations, lets keep progressing by taking a closer look at ozone therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells. Second, cancer has a viral component. Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone.

In the 1930s, Dr. Otto Warburg of Germany hypothesized that the predominate precondition for cancer is lack of oxygen to the cells. He came to this conclusion because he noticed that cancer cells had decreased respiration in comparison to healthy cells, and that the mitochondria of the cancer cells had decreased energy production (2). For this he won the Nobel Prize in 1931. Dr. Max Gerson author of A Cancer Therapy: Results of Fifty Cases and the Cure of Advanced Cancer supports Warburg by stating that "the ideal task of cancer therapy is to restore the function of oxidizing systems in the entire organism." Online author, mathematician and accountant Webster Kehr contests that "cancer cells die when exposed to oxygen..." (3). This belief means cancer cells are anaerobic or thriving in low oxygen conditions and destroyed in contact with oxygen. If cancer is predominately caused by a lack of oxygen to the cells, then oxidizing the cells should restore some sort of balance. Warburg believed that lack of oxygen was the primary cause for cancer, and though he acknowledged other factors, he believed there was little need to focus on them, because they would distract from the primary cause which was lack of oxygen. Warburg discovered that once healthy cells are in low oxygen levels they are forced to ferment. The byproducts of fermentation thus causes the mutation of the cell. This is the number one reason why ozone is thought to help fight cancer. Author of Flood Your Body with Oxygen, Ed McCabe explains that oxygen causes diseased cells to oxidize and be "burnt up in oxygen". However, healthy cells produce a protective antioxidant shield that diseased cells can not produce because they are consumed with toxins. Therefore, when the body is flooded with oxygen in ozone therapy, only the diseased cells waste away. Our bodies as well as our antibodies produce low levels of ozone (4). Compounding ozone's likelihood to fight cancer are the discoveries of Noble Prize winner Dr. James Watson and Dr. Joaquim Varro. Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA double helix, discovered that a component of cancer is viral, "among the most useful carcinogenic agents know at present are several viruses" (2). Therefore, ozone kills virus, a component of cancer is viral, and some cancers are caused by viruses such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Human papillomavirus (HPV). Varro discovered that ozone as well as oxygen and hydrogen peroxide have the ability to inhibit the growth of select cancer tumors. Studies at the University of California-Irvine have supported this discovery in finding that ozone therapy specifically helps patients with Hodgkin's Lymphoma (5).

The discoveries of Warburg, Watson, and Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer. Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays, sources pertain to whole series.

REFERENCES

1. Rilling, Siegfried and Renate Viebahn. The Use of Ozone in Medicine. Second Revised Edition. First English Edition. Germany: Haug Publishers, 1987.

2. Altman, Nathaniel. Oxygen Healing Therapies: For Optimum Health & Vitality. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 1998.

3. Kehr, R. Webster. "Ozone Cancer Treatments." Cancer Tutor: Alternative Cancer Treatments Information Center. 26 March 2009. .

4. McCabe, Ed. Flood Your Body with Oxygen: Therapy for Our Polluted World. 6th Edition. Florida: Energy Publications, 2003.

5. Sorge, Robert H. "Ozone Therapy." Abundalife. 2000. 29 March 2009. www.abundalife.com/ozone.asp

6. Schadde, Anne. O3zone: a Homeopathic Proving. Seattle: Alethea Book Company, 1997.

7. Oxford Journals. "Adjuvant Ozonetherapy in Advanced Head and Neck Tumors: A Comparative Study". 28 March 2009. ecam.oxfordjournals.org>.

8. Karim, Steve. "Re: Ozone Therapy." E-mail to Mai. 20 March 2003.

9. Ozone Therapy. Videotape. Author. Channeler, Trance. Vision Quest Video, 1998.

10. Null, Gary. "Ozone Therapy." Listen to Progressive Radio Network. PRN, New York. 24 March 2009.
www.progressiveradionetwork.com/listen.html.

11. McKinney, Neil. "Creating Healing for Cancer Patients." VitalLink: The professional journal of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors 16.1 (2009): 47-50.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES

12. Edelson, Edward. The Encyclopedia of Health: The Healthy Body, The Immune System. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1989.

13. Murphy, Gerald P. et al. American Cancer Society. Informed Decisions: The complete book of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. New York: Viking, 1997.

14. Labriola, Dan. Complementary Cancer Therapies: Combining Tradition and Alternative Approaches for the Best Possible Outcome. Roseville: Prima Health Publishing, 2000.

15. "Otto Warburg." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Thomson Gale. 2004. Encyclopedia.com.
30 March 2009 www.encyclopedia.com>.

16. "Treating Cancer with Ozone, Oxygen & Hydrogen Peroxide (l)." Healing Cancer via O2, O3, & H2O2. March 20 2009".www.healingcancernaturally.com/ozone-cancer-treatment.h t m l >. 2007

17. "Ozone Therapy." Wikipedia. 28 March 2009. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone_therapy>.

18. "Ozone." Wikipedia. 25 March 2009. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ozone>.

19. "Gary Null." Wikipedia. 27 March 2009. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/gary_null>.

20. Weil, Andrew. "Your Trusted Health Advisor." www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/qaa322213>.
5 January 2004

21. "Providing Alternative Comprehensive Cancer Treatment." New Hope Medical Center.
23 March 2009. www.newhopemedicalcenter.com/cancer-treatments.aspx>.

22. "Alternative Medicine Anti-Aging Medicine Carson City Ozone Therapy." The Nevada Center.
23 March 2009. www.antiagingmedicine.com/procedures_ozone.htm#ozone>.

23. "Dr. Otto Warburg-On the Origin of Cancer Cells." Ozone Therapy. 23 March 2009.
www.anti-aging-today.org/oxygen/ozone/cancer-origin-warburg.htm>. 2009

USA behind Cuba and Europe in progressive healthcare- and nobody cares-OZONE THERAPY

So the funding limitations on stem cell research have been "lifted"... Well what about another proven viable medical practice? Ozone Therapy.

Hospitals and clinics in Europe and Cuba liberally make use of ozone therapy. Yet this medical advancement is being underrated in the United States and much of North America. Many doctors recommend ozone therapy for preventative care (9). Ozone has been used for decades to combat a myriad of illnesses, (many chronic) some include glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, AIDS, chronic fatigue, acne, hepatitis, allergies, and poor circulation to name a few. It is important to note that ozone therapy is just one part under the umbrella of oxidative therapies which also contain hydrogen peroxide and oxygen therapies. On March 24, 2009 a patient of Dr. Howard Robbins gave testimonial on Progressive Radio Network (PRN) radio hosted by Dr. Gary Null (New York) to the positive effects ozone therapy has had on his multiple sclerosis. The patient listed "improved vertigo, less dizziness, weight loss, decreased fatigue." Dr. Howard Robbins said that ozone "acts like a glue attaches to bad things fungus, yeasts" and deactivates them (10). The New Hope Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Nevada Center of Alternative & Anti-Aging Medicine in Carson City are leading ozone therapy facilities in the United States.

Chemo might deplete your strength, Ozone may make you strong

Ozone therapy does not threaten the immune system as chemotherapy and radiotherapy do. However, if these therapies are required, ozone therapy may be used in conjunction and often mitigate their adverse side-effects (11). Such combination proved useful with the ozone therapy/radiotherapy trials in Spain (7). Dr. Neil McKinney says, "Radiation disrupts tissue organization by removing vital immune and stem cells" (11). It's important to strengthen the immune system in cancer patients because this will enable the immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells most effectively. McKinney says, "There is clearly a need to improve on the therapies that are currently considered the medical standard of care. What little progress that is seen in cancer care by conventional medical oncology is coming at an unsustainable price" (11). It is abhorrent that this potentially life saving procedure is being neglected in study and practice, especially when it has been shown to have positive effects on patients. Rilling and Viebahn, Kehr, and McCabe all site a popular January 1980 trial by the German Medical Society for Ozone Therapy in which 644 therapists were surveyed regarding 384,775 patients, totaling administration of 5,579,238 ozone treatments. There were less than 40 cases of side effects cited out of over 5.5 million representing a low rate of .000007% adverse incidents and four deaths. This study is perhaps one of the most well known and cited of ozone studies. Ozone clearly has potential to be a wildly successful and safe medical therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells (Warburg). Second, cancer has a viral component (Watson). Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone (Varro). It's abilities to successfully regulate the immune system, kill pathogens, mitigate infection, detoxify the body, increase circulation and oxygen levels, and combat fatigue is due to it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction. Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy continues to be among several neglected, yet effective therapies.


TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays (sources available upon request).

Additional Notes of Interest:
Some experts define ozone as a molecule having anywhere from 3 atoms of oxygen to 5, 6 or even as much as 21 atoms of oxygen. If this is the case, then that would even boost ozone's ability to effectively distribute oxygen in the body.
Ozone is sometimes used at about .1ppm in therapy. Some facilities practice such treatment, but many doctors are forced to stay "underground" for fear of loosing their licensing. Several prominent people have been suspected of using ozone therapy such as Irvin Magic Johnson and Rupert Murdoch.
These test would also help to answer lingering questions such as does ozone kill cancer or the viruses that cause cancer? Is it possible for fungus, bacteria, or pathogens to cause cancer?
Ozone should definitely be studied more extensively as it has proven potential. What's the fear of study?
Sometimes ozone is injected directly into the cancer patient as in with intravenous injections.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Ozone Therapy: Are potential CURES for CANCER & AIDS being ignored?

The Obama Administration has recently lifted the funding limitations on stem cell research, and Nortre Dame, (one of the lucky 3 universities Obama has agreed to visit for commencement this May) is ticked about it. Lucky dogs... If stem cell research can be brought to the forefront... what about another proven viable medical practice? Ozone Therapy.

There are three key discoveries that explain why ozone helps to fight cancer. First, cancer arises because of a lack of oxygen to the cells (Warburg). Second, cancer has a viral component (Watson). Third, the growth of select tumors is inhibited by ozone (Varro). Ozone is a misunderstood disinfectant. Ozone therapy is a neglected treatment that can effectively fight cancer. Ozone is an effective immunoregulator that kills pathogens, mitigates infection, detoxifies the body, increases circulation and oxygen levels, combats fatigue. These are made possible by it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction.

Ozone is therapeutic. Cancer causes fatigue, imbalances the immune system (the core of our health defenses), and robs healthy cells of resources. During cancer the immune system falls victim and is compromised as it works over time to kill the pathogens in the body and to fight infection. McKinney says, "The most critical support NDs can offer is to help the patient's immune system...the immune system's mandate is to protect and repair our own tissues, and attack everything else. Cancer cells...summon(s) immune cells bent on repairing the tumor. However, the immune system cannot fix the genetic damage in the cancer cells, and the cancer cells won't switch off as they should, so it becomes "the would that will not heal". The immune cells increase blood supply, release growth factors, and even switch off the immune cells that approach the tumor in attack mode. The immune system is...working for the tumor and not for the greater good of the organism." Ozone can kill some of those pathogens, giving the immune system much needed back up. Ozone regulates the immune system by calming an overactive immune system plagued by an auto-immune disease, as well as stimulate and support an under active immune that has been hit by any number of chronic illnesses from cancer to AIDS. An unfettered immune system has the highest likelihood of recognizing and fighting cancer cells effectively. Therefore, if ozone can help support the immune system, then it helps fight cancer in a significant way. Ozone fights cancer by combating fatigue, providing your body with added energy. Dr. Frank Shallenberger says that ozone, "accelerate(s) the citric acid cycle, which is the main cycle for the liberation of energy from sugars. This then stimulates basic metabolism. It also breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to be used as energy" (2). It also detoxifies the body by moving waste out. Oxygen is the second most electronegative element therefore it can bond with and oxidize any other element except the noble gases and fluorine, which is the only more electronegative element (6). Ozone can increase circulation because gas expands to fill its container such as the bloodstream, or the body. Due to kinetic energy, ozone gas diffuses through the body rapidly, moving from high concentration to lower concentrations, carrying oxygen throughout the body via the bloodstream. Other benefits include increasing the oxygen levels, purifying the blood and the water the body is primarily made up of. Ozone therapy has proved beneficial in conjunction with conventional methods. A study from several hospitals in Spain of the effects of ozone therapy on 19 patients with advanced head and neck tumors (H&N) was conducted over a three year period while the patients were undergoing radiation therapy concurrently. The trial concluded with positive results. "Ozonetherapy has proved useful in the treatment of ischemic syndromes, and several studies have described a potential increase of oxygenation in tissues and tumors. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical effect of ozonetherapy in patients with advanced H&N cancer in the course of their scheduled radiotherapy" (7). Dr. Robert H. Sorge founder of Abunda Life Health Retreat and Clinic contends that ozone stimulates the production of white blood cells, inhibits the growth of new tumors (anti-neoplastic), increases red blood cell membrane dispensability, flexibility, and effectiveness, increases the efficiency of the antioxidant enzyme system, speeds the healing process, kills worms, amoeba, and parasites, enhances brain function, extends the life of the cell, and helps increase endurance (5).

The discoveries of Warburg, Watson, and Varro were integral to developing a regime for ozone to fight cancer. However, ozone therapy continues to be among several neglected, yet effective therapies. It's abilities to successfully regulate the immune system, kill pathogens, mitigate infection, detoxify the body, increase circulation and oxygen levels, and combat fatigue is due to it's unique chemical properties, high energy state, instability, and rate of reaction. Hopefully, soon this therapy will be further observed in theory, experiment, and practice.



TAKE NOTE: Anyone interested in any therapies mentioned in this essay must seek professional guidance before proceeding with any form of treatment. This is one part of a series of Ozone related essays (sources available upon request).

Additional Notes of Interest:
Ozone purifies water in our bodies similar how water plants treat water with ozone.
Ozone can help the blood cells move.
Healthy cells produce more oxygen and respirate more than cancer cells.
Ozone helps to fight cancer in that it helps to make your body well, period.
It’s important to increase circulation in cancer patients.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Why the Constitution can kiss Mai ass

The constitution (or the people charged with exercising it) has failed to recognize and practice many of its statues since its inception, making it untrustworthy. I don't believe that since something is written down, I'm protected, because that hasn't been the case.

IT'S JUST A PIECE OF TEXT. It's just a set of laws (some which permit individual states to do horrible things) that a group of people (majority of whom just happen to have been notorious bigots) made up. It also allows great injustices to prevail, like how, when, and where people are allowed to engage in adult activities.

People want to denigrate the Bible because they think its fictional, irrelevant, or can't be proven. I think that the constitution is fictional, and hypocritical. People act like I can't look upon the constitution unfavorably. Telling me to leave the country because I voice disapproval of the constitution (or don’t choose to participate in the judicial system in a conventional manner) is like that "Christian" pastor going online perpetrating an ignorant atheist, then coming back to minister to his alter ego. Its hypocritical. If you put all your faith in something (other than spiritual) that's wrong, and its warping your view of life.

People worship the constitution and make it seem like I must too. People hold the constitution to be some infallible text. The constitution did not invent freedom or even grant freedom. People act as if you are going against the word of freedom if you question it. My freedom comes from my humanity, ultimately people's worship of the constitution seems to justify the idea the U.S. is better than other countries because the U.S. has the constitution. People, people, people make the constitution untrustworthy and corrupt. And there has never been a time when they haven’t.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Happy Women's History Month 365: Why I ♥ heart Sarah Palin

I've never subscribed to ANY political party. But if I were to, the Republican party would not be high up on mai list. I don't identify with their general sensibilities or views of society and economic hierarchy. However, I greatly appreciate what Sarah Palin has done (vastly inadvertent) for women in politics. Thank you Sarah.

Ronald Reagan, Strom Thurmond, George W. Bush, George Washington, the list goes on and on for men in politics with reprehensible behavior. Men in politics represent the noble, the greedy, the detestable, and the (nearly) righteous. Truly the spectrum of men in politics is wider than women. Therefore, men are seen as multi-dimensional figures. Of course some of them are bad, of course some of them are ugly, of course some of them will make mistakes, and make bad choices, and force the country into turmoil. Because even though that is part of their character's capacity, so is the other extreme for doing good.

Women in politics aren't seen the same way to the same extent. Our most notable women are Clinton, Pelosi, Chisholm, and Rice. Lesser known politicians are Maxine Waters and C. Delores Tucker. But for the most part (nothing is total of course), women in the history of politics have been respectable do-gooders. This is a nice legacy to uphold. But I am constantly defending Palin. Not because I agree with her book banning, wolf aerial hunting, victims pay for forensic rape kits, charging Alaskan tax-payers to foot the bill for her daughters to see the world, pulling strings to get her in-laws unjustly hired and fired antics. But because she is one more woman sculpting the national, political view. One more woman to crack a ceiling. One more woman to add to the face of women in politics. She has shaped an idea of what women can be in American politics, at this point, for good or bad isn't that important.

Though I'm SURE I will never subscribe to any political party in my life (save, perhaps the Nunya Party*) I have to give Palin her props, just for existing. I 'love' her ideology even less than I 'love' the Constitution (Problem with that? There isn't a dayum thing you can do about it, I'm not going anywhere, and frankly its none of your business). It's none of your business how a person votes AND if they choose to vote or abstain from voting one and all. But I defiantly hope Palin's accomplishment is not as forgotten as those of Geraldine Ferraro.

*http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/51282-nunya-party

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Rush Limbaugh's ATTACK on America

If I had the ability to read just one person’s mind, I’d tap into the infamous mind of Rush Limbaugh. Why use such an amazing power on such a dubious character? Limbaugh is influential to a significant portion of our country. Those who care for the plight of Americans must aid President Obama in keeping the motives of his “enemies closer” than the plethora of his yes-men.

On January 16th of this year, Limbaugh said he was asked by a "major American print publication" to commemorate Barack Obama's Inauguration by joining a select group of prominent politicians, educators, and pundits each writing 400 words on their hopes for the Obama presidency. Limbaugh just couldn't do it. "...I've been listening to Barack Obama for a year-and-a-half. I know what his politics are. I know what his plans are, as he has stated them. I don't want them to succeed," Limbaugh said.

Grasping Limbaugh’s reasoning will help develop a dialogue Limbaugh (and his constituents) can understand as to why witnessing President Obama’s policies (namely economic) fail would be the worst possible scenario for Americans and eventually the rest of the world. If failure ensues, sure Obama will have egg on his face, but more importantly the American people will suffer the brunt of the downfall. If Obama’s policies fail, he still has a job and will still get a paycheck. However, it’s likely that the sporadic shanty Tentvilles (similar to 1930s era Hoovervilles) that are springing up all across America will be more a constant.

Is it really as bad as all that? Mustn't we commend Limbaugh for having the courage to speak against an administration that he truly thinks is riddled with problems? Should he be expected to be encouraging? Isn’t it his prerogative to mar an American tradition with nationally syndicated cynicism? It would be nice to hear encouraging words from Limbaugh, the countries most popular, highest paid ($38 million contract, and $100 million in bonuses) conservative radio host with over 20 million listeners weekly. It would have been appropriate, but he couldn’t bear to put his feelings aside to enrich an honored American ceremony.

The issue doesn’t lie with Limbaugh's total disapproval of Obama and his administration. Instead, dismay is with his lack of respect for the country, which is the people. You can wave the American flag around all day (as he does on his website), but when you proudly state your hope and desire that the policies aimed at pulling the majority of Americans out of a record high recession fails, (before it's even put in place to have opportunity to demonstrate capacity to turn the tides) you are not concerned or in touch with the core of the country, its people.

Limbaugh told Barbara Walters that he feels Barack Obama is a sincere and genuine person. He very well could have said that instead of "Okay, I'll send you a response, but I don't need 400 words, I need four: I hope he fails." His true attitude was expressed when Walters asked if he thought his work is worth $138 million dollars a year especially during a foreboding recession. Without hesitation Limbaugh said he is very much worth the millions. "What recession?... I choose not to participate," he claimed. Must be nice. It’s apparent that he's in a position to hope the economic plan and other Obama policies fail, because unlike the vast majority of the country (and world) Rush is party to an elite group that will remain above water no matter how the economy ebbs and flows, or perhaps, droughts and floods.

Expectations for President Obama are high, and his choices will make or break millions of people. It’s important that we view him with a critical, yet encouraging and hopeful eye.

Friday, February 20, 2009

NY Post: Power to the Protest

I am in awe every time I see the power of the people manifested in demonstrations as it has been for the past few days with the protestors of the New York Post.

Longtime political cartoonist Sean Delonas drew a picture that was published in the Post this Wednesday. Many feel this cartoon played on the racist history of Blacks being compared to primates.*

The strength, tenacity, courage, and determination of protesters is often times inspiring. How awesome that this group of people got together to make a change, and they saw results from it.

The New York Post issued an apology today to those they offended with the cartoon. The apology was a bit back-handed because they refused to apologize to those they believe initiated the opposition. They felt those with long time grievances used this cartoon as an opportunity to enact revenge on the controversial and conservative newspaper. (Though they didn't name names, the main opponent has been Rev. Al Sharpton, and I think we can infer they are talking about him.)

It is very possible that the Post and Delonas didn't intended any racial slur with the cartoon. I am willing to take them at their word that the chimp is a parody of Travis the chimp that was shot on Monday by police officers paired with a mock of the economic stimulus bill. However, there is NO WAY they didn't anticipate the implications that would be felt by comparing the author of the current stimulus bill (not only President Obama, but he IS the face of the bill) to a violent chimpanzee. In addition, they shot the chimp= they shot the author of the stimulus bill= they shot the President!!?? That's funny?

Many people want to site that President Bush was at times compared to monkeys as well. However, there is no history of whites being compared to primates in a racial defamation. If Bush had been compared to a Ritz of something with a comparative history, then (I would be outraged) a comparison could be made.

The Post shouldn't be surprised by the public backlash. I didn't even know about Travis until after I saw the bru-ha-ha over the cartoon. I'm sure many around the world will see this cartoon, know nothing of Travis, and instantly see it as a racial slur.

I am delighted the protestors got a semblance of an apology. We must stay on offensive people/media. We must never give up. Protest reminds us that there is much more that we can/must do for our communities than simply casting a ballot every 4 years.

I want to dedicate this to all the demonstrators (many of whom were college students) in 2003 that were jailed just for protesting the Iraqi War on the streets of Chicago, and to those who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Frankfort, KY in 1965.


POWER TO THE PEOPLE!! UHURU!! HOTEP!!

* You can see the original cartoon here: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/18/national/main4809291.shtml

** You can see an altered version of the cartoon (not by Delonas) here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lee-camp/how-the-new-york-post-mon_b_168199.html

Monday, February 9, 2009

Happy Black History Month 365

I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade, but if I see one more image of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the misty, air-brushed, reminiscent background of a Photoshopped Barack Obama image as the "Dream" depiction I will scream.

[Oh there's one.]

“AHHHHHHHHH...”

What the hell people? At what point in the "I Have a Dream" speech did Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. say anything about his dream or the dream being to have a Black president? Was it implied? Maybe, but the dream is specifically about achieving equality and if you think that President Obama automatically garnered equality for people of color in America you are turning a blind eye and deceiving yourself. WAKE UP!!! and notice I said people of color, Dr. King speaks of equality for all, does that mean if we had a Latino or Asian president that these images would still surface, I don’t know but I hope that's not seen as unrelated.

I didn’t want to say anything because I think of people like my mother, father, my aunts and uncles. Who marched and protested with King. Those people who cry out of happiness for Obama's win (I'm happy but I never cried!). Because they never dreamed they would see an African American President in their lifetime.

I love what Dr. King did, and I love what Barack did and is doing*, but these images are really agitating me. They marginalize both men and more importantly, they marginalize The Struggle. Just the notion that we are done or have even reached the Promised Land is utterly false. When I see this depiction I feel cheated, I feel like we are resting and being lazy America.

It is apparent that society still needs to reach for Dr. King's dream of equality when we have Latino-Americans (or even Latinos for that matter) in our country being murdered for just that, being brown (Ecuadoran Marcello Lucero to name one). Or when you hear (as I have heard from friend, foe, and family) that Latino's are "overrunning" America with their numbers. RACISM! INFURIATING!!! Why are people so concerned with their numbers? Some Black Americans have dismay when the speak of the growing number of Latinos in America. Some worry the census is inaccurately portraying the numbers of each ethnic group. The reason why this is an issue is because White America is somehow seen (and this is actually put into practice) as entitled to more of a voice and representation in this country because they supposedly make up the majority. WHY?

In high school I can remember debating the validity of the existence of affirmative action and Black History Month. In the case of Black History Month some actually argued that we should not celebrate it in protest it marginalizing Black history**. How stupid! I haven't encountered anyone in a long time that has tried to support this argument, but my gut makes me think they are still out there. After all, I am not the only one that has encountered people who think like this. (My predominantly white, conservative, affluent, township school in Indiana refused to even make mention of Black History Month on the morning announcements. When I asked them to do so, they refused. When I asked why, they said it wasn’t necessary. Haters.) Even still, why would I give up the little bit of acknowledgment that Black History month affords because in truth MORE is warranted? I wouldn't. That's not even logical (there’s an adage about baby and bathwater that fits well). If I want a slice of pie, but I can only manage to take a forkful of it on Monday, I take a forkful, then on Tuesday I try to take another forkful, however thwarted I am or how much obstacle is in the way of me and my pie, I still got a forkful and that's one less forkful I need to attain to get my whole slice. You have to chip away at prejudice, and racism, and sexism, and classism, and inequality. Chip chip chip, its an elephant and you eat an elephant one bite at a time.

Mai President is Black [* why I “love” OB]

So far, so good. I am thrilled that President Obama will be keeping his Blackberry. This device has often be uncouthly referred to as the Crackberry (implications are obvious). As a lover of gadgets, I'm thrilled to think of the president as a tech savvy, PDA toting, genius.

Bravo for shutting down Guantanimo bay in a year. This sends an anti-bully image to others around the world. First sitting Prez to have a Blackberry, down with Gitmo (recently Iraqi prisoners were handed over to Iraqi officials), not wearing his suit jacket in the oval office, “there are white people, and then there are motherfuckers like you”- OB on confronting racism in his Hawaiian youth, his acceptance of non-believers, the list goes on and one, - Fox News is right, OB is radical, the best, grassroots, up from down, kind of radial anyone could hope to be :)

**(No doubt Black History Month is underplayed, however many don’t even know there is a national Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15- October15.)

(My President is Black is an allusion to a Young Jeezy song, if you haven’t hear/read it Google/Youtube it.)

“Black History is Everyone’s History. Enjoy... Uhuru! Hotep!” - mrs.Mai

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Sacrifice: how much is too much?

Deciding to join the naturopathic profession definitely requires me to make mature sacrifices in the life of my family. I must scrutinize my finances, postpone plans for children, uproot my family, abandon the theatre, leave a President Barack Obama administration, and conquer general anxieties. However, enumerating these sacrifices makes it all the more apparent how I cherish the naturopathic profession.

Immigrating to Canada is an expensive and nerve-racking transition requiring our entire savings. Visas, passports, tuition, and housing are just some of the expensive necessities. The immigration process has taken years of planning and budgeting. Our search for new housing, banking, phone carrier, and employment for my husband has been a series of uphill battles. Even now, there is a high level of uncertainty about our financial future in this new country. My husband and I live quite frugally. I look forward to the day when we won’t have to be so restricted by our finances. The next five years will not afford us this luxury. How could they with the time, money, and effort required to transition into returning to college and immigrating?

I have been married for nearly five years. We have a blessed marriage and are anxiously thinking about starting a family. Initially, we planned to try for children next year in 2010. However, when I decided to study naturopathy we determined that the time and expense required to provide for a child couldn't even be considered until the 3rd year of the program. Even then it will still depend on where I stand at that time in the future and in the program. Though many say there is never a specific “right” time to have a child, there is definitely a “wrong” time to have a child, and beginning my education at CCNM would be one of them.

Expenses are compounded by living away from loved ones for half a decade. This is daunting. Family and friends provide a ready-made moral, spiritual, financial, and emotional support. Our loved ones are quick to note that we will be a whole other country away. I feel I've neglected loved ones for the past eight years since I’ve left my beloved hometown; first moving to Chicago, then to Los Angeles. Oftentimes, it seems I abandon my friends right when our bonds are growing and they need me the most. I feel guilty about leaving my family and not being a present role model for my nieces and nephews in such a critical time in their youth.

Theatre and art have been a consistent passion in my life. In undergraduate studies, I attained a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia College Chicago in Theatre with a concentration in directing. When I decided to start naturopathy I didn't anticipate the extent this intensive program would demand. Though I will be a lifelong patron of the theatre, I fear there will be no immediate time to participate. No directing, acting, stage managing, designing, or anything of that nature until my education is well underway. I've spent my last twelve years training in theatre, building up several professional relationships, and establishing the building blocks of a career. Theatre had been my future, so entering into a fresh discipline will be an added challenge. I must immerse myself into this new world yet keep sharp skills I've spent so long developing.

This is an historic time that is especially poignant for Americans. Most of the citizens of the States are very excited and looking forward to living under a President Obama administration. It is somewhat bittersweet that we can't be in the States while he is leading the country. These past eight years, under the former Bush Administration, have been a time of fear, anxiety, and trepidation for the country and in fact the world. We all have tremendous anticipation for the next four years to come. In some respect, I will be missing out of a firsthand experience.

General anxieties about healthcare, employment, travel, and maintaining a fitness routine flood my thoughts daily. I have poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) but hate taking oral contraception to regulate my cycle. School makes it impossible to start a family or afford a child. Through naturopathy, I hope to find an alternate solution for my PCOS. I'm proud of working with the Girl Scouts of the San Fernando Valley. I set up their curriculum and fostered positive girl to girl relations. My thoughts of working with the affiliated Girl Guides were crushed with the realization that my student status doesn't allow for a work permit. I love to travel but have had to delay plans to explore Northern Africa with my parents and husband for years. Ideally, I'll quell my wanderlust by travelling to Europe, Asia, and Africa during the summers when classes are out. I worry this goal will not be attainable. I’m not thoroughly optimistic that these next five years of school will allow the time or expense for exploration abroad. I've recently made changes in my lifestyle that benefit my health. They have enabled me to loose an excessive 50 lbs. I’ve become much more active. I realize that keeping up with my lifestyle will be hard because I will not be able to resume my gym routine for several weeks while we are getting settled. I worry that falling out of my routine will cause me to never get back on track.

In spite of this, I have a healthy outlook. Loved ones are afforded comfort in that we used to live in California, which is three times farther from Midwest America than Toronto. The distance will inspire some to attain a passport and travel abroad for the first time. I am blessed to have their love and support for my future. I hope to show my nieces and nephews that a career in medicine is not out of reach. I'm optimistic that a warm, receptive, diverse faculty, staff, and student body will aide us in developing new community. There is potential to stay within the theatre arts loop by volunteering at box office or ushering. I’m mindful that Obama’s influence is sure to be felt worldwide, and planning is always in the works to fulfill lifelong travel dreams.

This transition is giving me an invaluable opportunity to grow as a person and as a professional. My education requires me to give in to my passion for community service and social activism. It also prompts me to face a fear of taking risks. Most importantly, naturopathic medicine gives me the chance to have a life of passion, educate others, and provide alternate options for their healthcare future. This is quite satisfying.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Michelle Obama, I got to get me some of that! WOOF!!!

When the country was first introduced to the First Lady, I think her credentials were touted. I knew she was a lawyer making six figures and I knew she was working in the highest echelons of the University of Chicago Medical Center.

I only really started hearing about her fashion in relationship to the exorbitant style of Mrs. Cindy McCain. When Michelle appeared on The View and was sporting that classy, yet unassuming number from White House/Black Market the country was captivated by her penchant for making "inexpensive wear" (I don't spend $150 on dresses but I can definitely see how that is frugal for a woman in her position) look appropriate and timely. On the other hand, when it comes to style I remember talking about how Cindy's ensemble for the convention was about a third of a million dollars (though she didn't look much more lovely).

I think the media had it set in their minds waaayyyyyyy in advance no matter who the First Lady was going to be, they were going to scrutinize her image. That's what they do. I don't see any inclination that she prompted this. Also, I like to she how she looks because she's gone through a bit of a transformation. Her look now is much more natural and appealing.

Though Michelle is beautiful (her stylish should be getting paid overtime because if you look at pictures back in 2007 and early 2008 she tended to look like a garish drag queen with too heavy of makeup and sever shape to her eyebrows) during the campaign her ensembles from J Crew, H & M, etc were nice, but didn't make her stand out or be the center of attention. I think that's commendable! There was an opportunity she could have capitalized on, but why? She didn't need to

I don't want the media to STOP talking about her style, I just want them to talk more about the other projects she's working on. It's a reoccurring theme, it’s unbalanced (The media could balance the situation a bit more if they didn’t just talk about Womenswear, but the Menswear too). The truth is, if you want to know about her, you can easily find out, it's just not as likely to be right their when you turn on the tube. Get a book. The biography Michelle by Liza Mundy is a good place to start. You have to be actively interested in the first ladies to know about them beyond the media which will undoubtedly present image and eventually if they are or aren’t keeping their promises for the country, in this case working with the military families.

Fashion Fashion Fashion

If you initially thought this was going to be about her "looks", here's my 2 pennies:

Swearing In

She wore a Cuban designer to the inauguration. I assumed she would wear American, but I have no issue with it. It was a memorable color, at first seeming gold, but then hues or yellow and green. The color literally was “brilliant”. The texture looked lush. I loved the neckline accent and the gloves were fabulous.

12 Inaugural Balls

She put the 26 year old Taipei-born New Yorker Jason Wu on the map with her Ball attire. At first glance, she looked stunning. I love texture, but on tv the dress kinda looked like it had a bunch of unwieldy puff balls all around. The light cream/bone color was nice, but I kinda wish it was echoed in the Presidents bow-tie instead of the pearl white he wore. I don't think I've ever seen an off white bow-tie, that could have been a unique plus. She had her hair down for the inauguration, so I would have liked to have seen it in a stately up-do for the ball. (A la Palin... just kidding) Obviously the dress was too long! That is a negative for the designer. Shame on your Wu!! The team had to know their were going to be dancing ALL NIGHT. They could have taken an inch off the bottom. It was totally distracting the way they were both tripping over it and she had to keep getting it out of the way. Total bummer. Now you know I've lived in Hollywood, because I was half expecting her to do a wardrobe change or two. Ha! I mean, she did go to 12 Balls (source: Countdown with Keith Olbermann, I only stayed up to watch 6), though they were late to most of them, she could have slipped in to a snappy red number? No?

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Immigration Station

From visas to bank accounts, this blog is designed to help you brainstorm questions and find answers to export yourself legally. I look for everything online, but had trouble readily finding information on how to legally move to another country. In this case, (immigrating to Canada) mai best resources were the officers at the Canadian boarder, the Port of Entry personnel in Detroit, Michigan, and my school, the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

(This info is US to Canada specific. Though perhaps not your specific destination, the following points should help you develop your own Immigration Station checklist.)

Passports/Passcards: Do you have a passport? Since January 1, 2009 it is required to have a passport to go anywhere outside the US. Before, you could go to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and other destinations without one. They just required ID such as a drivers license, state id card, or birth certificate. Now you must have one to cross any boarder. Be careful, often times it is easier to leave the US than to enter back in! Partly, because of this new law they have "invented" the Passcard. I've been advocating this to all my relatives who must get their passport for the first time, or obtain a new one. Passports are $115 (You get $15 off if you are a AAA member-- go figure) Passcards however are only $45!! Of course, with a passport you can go anywhere you want in the world (or just about) but with a passcard you can only travel to other countries in North America, and you can only travel by land or sea. Yup no flights. Only car, train, bus, boat or ship. Interesting, no? Passports, and visas are costly. I actually kinda expected visas to be free, don't ask me why.

Visa: How long are you planning on staying? You can stay in Canada for 6 months before you have to attain a visa. This was surprising to me. Check with the individual country you are moving to to find what their specifics are. I found this info from my school and it was corroborated by the port authority in Detroit.

Work/Study Permits: Will you be allowed to work? I'm not allowed to get a work visa, only a student visa. My husband is allowed a restricted work visa by default because he's married to me. Honestly, this really bites. I guess they are worried that all the immigrates are gonna come and take the jobs away from the Canadians (wow, they kinda sound American to me--Paper Planes...). My husband's visa is restricted which means he's not allowed to work with children unless he takes and passes certain medical examinations. Do you already have a job? Often times when you are moved to another country by an employer they are your “sponsor” and often cover your passport and visa expenses.

Motor Vehicles: Will you be allowed to drive in this country? Going to Canada from the US you don’t have to worry about getting another drivers license, but that wouldn’t be the case if you where going to say... Europe. Metric system or no? Driving specifics: While driving in Canada you have to remember the us kilometers per hour not miles per hour like we do in the States.

Cell Phone Carriers: This was an unexpected bummer. I’m addicted to my sidekick. I’ve had a myriad of the Sidekick variations over the past 5 years. If you think you can keep Sprint, Nextel, Boost, Cricket, T-Mobile, or even the surprising one AT&T (I thought they were global, don’t ask me why) THINK AGAIN!!! In Canada, they have several carriers but NONE are international calling friendly ($$$$$) Also, you may be surprised to learn that your device may not work there. I have heard about perhaps having a device “unlocked”. I’m not quite sure what this process or expense would be but would like to know more. Supposedly, if you get your device unlocked your new carriers’ SIM card should be able to work in it. T-Mobile denies this is possible and maintains that only their SIM cards are designed to work in their devices. Blackberrys and iPhones are very popular worldwide. It maybe a worthwhile investment.

Banks: I can’t stand the banking system in Canada. It’s much more of an expense. In the States you can easily get free savings and checking especially if you have direct deposit (Chase, Credit Unions, and Bank of America are a few examples of this). How will you exchange your money?

Apartments: We’ve had a lot of success with this one, so I cant readily think of something to look out for. Perhaps find out if you will be able to rent a place without citizenship status.

Healthcare: If you have prescription drugs you should think about if you will be allowed to take them with you, and how you will get them once you are living abroad. Also, what is the state of their public healthcare? Will you be eligible for it?

Belongings: Find out what things you have to declare before you can cross the boarder. Sometimes you cant bring edibles, perishables, or organics from one country to another. Other times you have to declare money when you bring a certain amount or more (must declare $10,000+ to enter Canada).

BEST OF BLESSINGS & GOOD TRAVELS

another source:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
www.cic.gc.ca