Saviour Siblings

   After reading this, I felt as though I didn’t have all the facts to form an opinion about this case. I did a simple Google search and discovered information that changed my agreement with the Authority’s decision to a neutral stance.

    When I first read this article, I thought that the “designer sibling” would be used as a lab rat, a biological resource, for the remainder of his or Charlie’s life. I instantly pictured a dystopian society that used technology to encourage eugenics. On the other hand, I could understand that the Whitakers’ were trying to save their son. I did further research about this case which my mind at ease.

    The policy of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) of using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was initially solely for the purpose of making sure a baby would be born without any genetic defects/abnormalities of his or her parents. However, since the Whitakers’ wanted to save the life of their already-born son (Charlie), they were denied IVF for the purpose of (possibly) curing Charlie’s Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA). At this time, Charlie had been receiving blood transfusions every three weeks to treat the DBA.

    From this potential “designer baby”, Charlie would need only the stem cells from Baby X’s umbilical cord, which would kick-start Charlie’s body into producing red blood cells. A bone marrow transplant would be a secondary option if the stem cell treatment did not work. The Whitakers’ did look for potential bone marrow matches for Charlie (they have a daughter as well), but to no avail.

    The Whitakers’ eventually did go to the United States where they were approved for IVF for the purpose of creating a life to save Charlie’s. Embryos were screened and implanted into the mother’s womb, and James Whitaker was born June 16, 2003. Part of the umbilical cord was sent to a lab, compatibility was confirmed; the other part was stored until a transplant could take place. The family waited six months to make sure James didn’t have DBA. That six months passed and the transplantation was performed. After being monitored for one year, Charlie was declared 100% healthy by his doctors (though he will need periodic check-ups).

    The HFEA has since changed its policy to allow for tissue typing to save the life of a sibling, in certain cases. Since then, the HFEA approved a family to use IVF to conceive a child who would be a match to treat their son’s condition (who also had DBA).

    So, how do I feel about all of this now? Neutral. When the HFEA denied the IVF for the Whitakers’ they were merely abiding by their initial policy, clearly something they felt was important to do; it isn't something that can be seen as wrong or right. After seeing the success of the Whitakers’ case, they altered their policy and approved a different family for the same procedure. The Whitakers’ took advantage of the technology available to them and are now a happy, healthy family; the stem cell transplant was successful. I say “live and let live.” I support stem cell research and transplants, if there is a good chance of it curing diseases (such as cancer, HIV, AIDS, etc.). Equally as much, I support research into any treatments or cures for diseases and conditions. Stem cell transplantation is but one avenue of treatment.

    However, I am still a bit unsettled with emergence of further issues that only time can solve:

1) Would the created child be psychologically damaged in some way, knowing s/he was created for a sole purpose?

2) Is the natural course of evolution being disrupted with these life-saving procedures? How much does the role of “survival of the fittest” play in the case of human survival and evolution?

3) Technology has brought us to a point that we are now able to select physical traits of children. This has potential to be misused.

One of many.

How do you understand prosody and the role it plays in language use? Provide two examples to support your answer.

    Prosody, in general, is tools used for communication cues and indicators. Since my native language is a spoken one (English), its prosodic markers are most familiar to me. Spoken language prosodic markers include the rhythm, stress, and intonation of words to indicate the intent of the text. We naturally utilize these markers to show emotional states, differentiate between questions and commands, to show sarcasm, to create emphasis, as well as numerous other things. Signed language users rely on prosodic markers for the same reason: to indicate the intent of the text. However, a different approach is used. To identify a few from Nicodemus’ article, prosodic markers used in signed languages include changes in eye aperture, head movements, body leans, cheek puffing, and nose wrinkling.

    A basic example of applying prosodic markers is how we indicate we are asking a question. When asking a question, spoken language users raise the pitch of their voice at the end of the phrase. Some speakers continuously increase pitch throughout the sentence; others raise the pitch of just the last word or few words. Signed language users, when asking questions, raise or lower their eyebrows to indicate they are seeking information. Sometimes more prosodic markers are used, but there is always a raising or lowering of the eyebrows.

    The second example I will use will be to show how we exhibit the emotion state of being in wonder. In spoken and signed languages, the word choice varies drastically depending on the speaker or signer, but for the sake of simplicity we will pretend the speaker/signer has chosen to express “Wow” as their text. Spoken language users in a state of wonderment might lengthen the vowel, lower their tone, and pause to collect their next thought. Signed language users might slow down the pace of their signing, drop their jaw, and possibly lean the body inward.

    Prosodic markers are natural to us. It is the pitch, rhythm, intonation, tempo, etc. naturally used to indicate the intent of our message.

Ohmygee! When did life get busy??

I haven't posted in a long while because, well, I haven't found time to! All I have to say about the reflection of that is "DAMN!"

I started a new job, which took up Monday - Friday, 5:30 (that's a.m.) until 2:00 (that's p.m.). It's shift work, but unfortunately I was, for a long time, one of two people who could open. Now I'm one of four *phew!*  and I won't be expected to open as often. Especially since I'm not available as much.

And I finished two courses. And I have bragging rights when I say I finished with honors (again). So now I'm finally taking the sign language interpreter program. It's a blended format program, which essentially means there is some face-to-face instruction and some online components to some courses. All courses have face-to-face time, just some have an online aspect. Which essentially means we have a lot of discussion and information thrown at us while we're in class, then we go home and look online to have more (typed) discussion and information and assignments thrown at us. So, yeah. It's a lot of work. It requires a lot of attention. Which is why I'm on the internet, blogging. Good times!

Actually, the course will be great, so long as we (the students) support each other. It's a small class of 14 women (that's right, all women) who vary in age and experience. So. It'll be good :) All smiles all around! And I was quite lucky with the text books: I saved about $200 because a friend who took the program last year let me borrow his books *phew number 2!*

So it all is going well. So far. I just have anxiety about my organizational skills. Or lack thereof. God bless Starbucks for providing free coffee & awesome co-workers.

Something odd: You know how most college courses span over two to four months? Well, we are taking in an entire course load/instruction in one week. This is one of the courses with an online component. Gah!

So... GAH! I've been busy, but I do want to find more time to update this thing, even just for myself & my sanity.

Now, to read Critical Thinking: Tools for taking charge of your learning and your life. You think I'll find procrastinating as a positive thing in there?

Röyksopp

Röyksopp is a Norweigan electronic music duo. This is “Happy Up Here” by Röyksopp. They are now on my list of “favorite electronic music people”.

They have linked up with Robyn on a few songs:
The Girl & The Robot:

and None of Dem (looooove this one!)

My Exhausted Limbic Sytem. And entire cerebral cortex … and body … hell, even my soul is tired.

I saw the Backstreet Boys tonight! OMFG! I have never been so beyond flailing teenager-y since … well, never. I was never even that flail-y of a teen… (thanks to downer drugs & what not). Was some good times! This made up for all the times I missed out. Took advantage of every situation. And I’m so happy Brenden came with me :) Smiles all around.

The most awesome part: in between “sets” during every Backstreet Boys concert I’ve been to (we’re talking about #3 now) they’ve shown videos in the between-time. Soo, this time they had movie trailers. Very cool idea, actually. Howie: Fast & Furious; AJ: Fight Club (favorite movie, might watch it tonight actually… O.o); Brian: I have no idea – a childrens’ movie?? Princes and something … I’m sure I’ve seen that movie before; Nick: The Matrix (The Holy One). So, they had actual clips from the movie, but had themselves “imported” (there is no better word at 3 a.m., especially after thinking of The Matrix) into the scenes.

My account of the after party:

Well... it was at The Union. I went upstairs to be away from people, then I wanted to go downstairs. And the security guard was like "I can't let you go downstairs" and I was like "Huh?? Why??" He said "Because the Backstreet Boys are comin...g up." So I was like "oooohhhhhhh" Then after they came up, swarms (and I mean masses) of people followed them. All I wanted to do was get downstairs so I could get some freaking water!
So, I made it downstairs. And some guy proceeded to tell me I look smart & that I'm beautiful. He asked if he could buy me a drink, unless I buy my own drinks. I said "aww, you don't have to buy me a drink." Then he high-fived me ... and made the offer again about 15 minutes later. Then he started on about how no women like him. I was like "no! No therapy sessions tonight!!" So I walked away. Douche move, I know. But I couldn't do it, not when I was having fun. And avoiding too much alcohol :)

Sooo, then Nick did his thing. He does a lot of house music & I am so fucking sick of house music. I like me some dub step or trance!

So, yeah. He did his thing for like an hour. And it was good, just not my favorite type of techno.
And then I left, called a cab. While waiting for the cab I had a conversation with some guy whose name I can't remember (Eric?). He was trying to get to Sherwood Park. He was like "All I want to do is go home & sleep. I'm sick of life!" Which made me concerned, so he & I talked a bit before a cab came that I was able to take home. Still kinda concerned about him, and I hope he finds out how to be happy (minus inebriants).

Then I went home. And now I write. And now … Dubstep :D

(Lyrics that mean something)

(N.b. I did ctrl c + ctrl v this from a site. I figured "why type it myself when another person has typed it out already?" Hmm. Efficient. This is an up-beat song. The lyrics that grabbed me were "Forgive them, even if they are not sorry", from there I looked up the rest & it's a song full of meaning. Carpe diem, carpe nocte. Smile.)

11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas

I just nod, I've never been so good at shaking hands
I live on the frozen surface of a fireball
Where cities come together, to hate each other in the name of sport
America, nothing is ever just how you plan

I looked up to you but you thought I would look the other way

Even in our own country, we hate each other because of trivial things, such as sports and other such nonsense. The last line means that Americans usually don't notice these things, and even if they do, they usually don't care. They just look the other way.

And you hear, what you want to hear
And they take what they want to take
Don't be sad, won't ever happen like this anymore
So whens it coming? This life's new great movement that I can join
The warning here
Your faith has got to be greater than your fear

People only listen to the what they want to, to what benefits them and only them. The same thing goes with taking. He's asking us when we'll do something about it, when we'll change ourselves. He's trying to warn us that if we continue living the way we do, with so much hate and greed, everything will come crashing down .You can't just give in to the whims of society; don't be afraid to believe your own beliefs.

Forgive them even if they are not sorry
All the vultures, bootleggers at the door waiting
Your are looking for your own voice, but your nervous
While it leaves you trapped in another dimension

Don't be like the rest of us; don't continue to hate people because of past grudges or otherwise. You have to have the strength to rise above and forgive even those you wish not to. The second line are examples of the people who are part of the society of hate towards each other. He's saying to forgive even them. Believe what you want to believe, not what they all want you to believe. Replace the word "Dimension" with "Life". If you base your life off of the lives of everyone else, then you aren't in your own life, you're trapped in someone else's life.

Drop your guard, you don't have to be smart all of the time
I got a mind full of blanks
I need to go somewhere new fast
And don't be shy, oh no, at least deliberately
No one really cares or wanders why anymore
Oh I got music, coming outta my hands and feet and kisses
That is how it once was done
All the dreamers on the run

I'm not really sure of the first part, but from the fourth line on: Don't keep your own opinions and thoughts inside, especially not purposely so that you can be more like everyone else. Nobody thinks to themselves, "Why is the world like this?" anymore. We all just kind of deal with it. The third-to-last line I think means that his life is based around his music, and that he won't let the opinions of anyone else (or even everyone else) change the kind of music he writes (I think this line explains the change in style from The Strokes to this new album). The next lines, he is reminiscing on times when people who wanted to change something actually did something about it.

Were so quick to point out our own flaws in others
Complicated, man was on the wings of robots
If you believe in this world you're not inviting me
But don't think that yet, to the top, now know what to do

Julian points out how ironic it is that people insult others for flaws that even they themselves have. The second line makes no sense to me. The last line, I feel that Julian is saying that he doesn't think the the entire world will change; we've already become too full of hate. But he also recognizes that there will always be shining stars among the sea of hatred that is our society today. He knows that there will always be some people who will understand what's wrong with the world today.

The last two lines explain the title of the song: Getting the world to realize the true problems is like getting to the eleventh dimension - it's nearly impossible.

Technorati Tags: Julian Casablancas,11th Dimension,Lyrics that mean something

My attempt to live a healthy & frugal life

I’m broke. Really really broke. And I don’t enjoy eating unhealthy foods. Maintaining my health has been a balancing act and I’ve never really committed to any real lifestyle change. As much as friends & family have been supportive, it makes a huge difference when somebody else is joining you in the journey. My computer will be joining me. I have named Rod Rico. Anthropomorphizing “him” makes my computer seem a little more like a partner.

Why have I decided to do this at this point in my life? It’s not because I’m unhappy with how I look, I’m very secure with my looks. It’s because I’m unhappy with my energy level & I am concerned about my health in the future (have PCOS, family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, risk of diabetes, and heart problems, possibly more).

Things I have decided to do:

Eat at home. Derr. Whodathunk this would make a huge difference.

Make grocery lists & don’t shop while hungry.

Balance the food groups. I’m a omnivore, I will continue to eat meat. 

Drink more water, less sodas (this I started to do about a year ago. Not a tough transition). Though I do find it difficult to drink enough water. Typically I drink about one cup a day. Hmm. Drink less alcohol (note: I drink only about once or twice a month, usually in the summer, hardly ever in the winter).

Eat small meals more often, say 6 times a day. And eat breakfast.

Find a way to enjoy eggs. Ew.

Prepare & freeze meals so they can be thawed & eaten on the inevitable lazy days.

Read more books. Fiction & non-fiction.

Walk more. Get outside more often.

One word: Multivitamin.

 

Last night I had an epiphany: I have the right stuff for a smoothee! It’s a small step, but it’s a step.

1 Orange (in lieu of orange juice and for want of pulp)*

1 Kiwi

1 Apple

2 Banana

Yogurt (Cherry)

*Would have been just as tasty with two oranges.

And I made a soup in my slow cooker. Chicken soup.

Some kind of fresh herbs. I don’t know which ones. A bunch of them that seemed like they’d make my soup taste good(er)

Chicken broth

Chicken

Tomatoes (diced)

Carrots (full baby carrots)

Onion

Celery

I’ll be trying it in about 3 hours. Fingers crossed. Not that it’s difficult to mess up chicken soup…