Post 16. Blogging and Google Drive in the classroom

My English class is almost at an end. This class has utilized blogging and google drive as a tool to help us become better writers as well as better students. Google drive is a great tool to allow to do everything from power points to papers, share documents and even share movies. You can comment on each other's papers without jeopardizing the document. Aside from being able to upload, download and save as a word document you don't have to worry about saving your document because it automatically saves it as you're working on it. The other great plus? It is accessible anywhere you go because it is linked to your Gmail account. I think all teachers should use this, it is brilliant!

Now, blogging is whole other experience on its own. I tried to keep up with all the posts, but not having Internet at home and limited data on my phone I did fall behind a few times. My other classes also made it difficult to blog from the overload of those classes. All and all I still manage to put together some pretty good posts. I love the idea of blogging, I love the opinions we are able to formulate freely although I did feel some students were definitely afraid to voice their opinions probably due to the fact that they do not want to be critiqued about it. I do wish all classes used this system as it makes us learn the ins and outs of the Internet, the power of blogging and I feel writing always frees the soul because everyone has something they want to say, others just have the courage to say it. Overall, some people didn't take the assignment as serious as they should have nor did they care about spelling or grammar which is sad, however, I know it made me a better writer. As for me, I will continue blogging and enlightening at least one person along the way. May the force be with you my fellow readers and classmates!

Post 15. Protesting for a change

I rarely watch the news. It's too depressing and lacks the honesty, however, I did watch the news yesterday as the protesting started in New York in reference to the late Eric Garner. The scene was amazing. I was shocked at how many people came together in Manhattan, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington D.C. The union of all different races coming together to protest against police brutality. Everyone has a theory and excuses of why the police officer did what he did. I heard it all...Eric Garner was 6'4", 250 lbs., he's had other arrests...blah, blah, blah. I cannot fathom that a retired cop on CNN had the audacity to say that he deserved what he got for selling non taxed cigarettes to crackheads. Yes, this guy used the word crackhead on national television. I can only think of one thing. Where is the human emotion of treating a human like a human and not an animal?

This man did not commit a mortal sin. He did not rape anyone, molest any children, beat his wife, abuse his kids, commit murder, homicide or any other capital punishment crime. He was simply selling cigarettes to the drug addicts, he wasn't selling the drugs. Yet, his life was cut short over something so trivial. Officers have mace and stun guns, why not use one of those methods. Eric didn't even assault the officers. In the words of his daughter he died a horrible death because one officer decided to be the hero. I do not condone crime, I condone justice.

Children are taught from very little that when you do wrong there are consequences, even after you grow up, so why are cops exempt? If minors receive charges for their crimes and civilians receive charges for their crimes than I believe officers should be held more accountable, if not, made examples of because they are the law. The people are losing faith in this country, in it's leaders and it's law enforcement. I do believe Mr. Garners death will not be in vain, unfortunately this had to happen for there to be change.

I will keep it short tonight and ask that if you are on the side of justice and believe in humanitarianism, then peacefully protest. Demand a change. Write about it. Talk about it. If there are protests going on in the area I will go. We are all one, one nation under God. This isn't about black or white, as there is a case in Utah where a young white man was shot and killed by a cop. This is a power issue, this is a national crisis. We need stricter rules and better education. Cops are not given a license to kill, they are given a badge to protect and serve. Someone needs to remind them of this. May the force be with you my fellow readers.

Post 14. Welcome to the New Wild West....Lawless Police Officers.

As children I am sure we all grew up seeing police officers as honest people, people we could trust, people that would save us or be our hero in a moment of need. Little boys wanted to be one and little girls wanted to marry one. Police officers were seen as an image of good standing a beacon of hope in a bad situation. To be an officer is to uphold justice and truth. To protect and serve. How is that now all you can see is how an officer killed an unarmed civilian or beat someone to death or worse knock down a clearly pregnant woman? Where is "to protect and serve"? These cops now are serving no one, but themselves. I am not against police officers, what I am is against racism, brutality and downright lawless officers. The staggering amount of officers that use their force in excess is mounting day by day. Let me give you a few examples:

We have a case in Denver, Colorado where officers are seen in a video using excessive force on David Nelson Flores who was unarmed during a search for drugs. The suspect did stick a sock in his mouth full of suspected narcotics. The video shows the officers punching him in the face six times so hard that his head was bouncing off the pavement while he was being held down as well. His girlfriend who was seven and a half months pregnant was yelling to police officers to stop because they were hurting him, she grew closer to the officers screaming. You can see one officer bring out his arm and trip her. The woman falls to the ground hard onto her face and her stomach. A young child was in the back seat while all of this occurred. there is something wrong with this picture. Yes the suspect is a drug dealer and the mother was not of good standing for putting her kids and herself in danger, yet, because they are criminals officers get to abuse a man unarmed, a pregnant woman and an unborn child? Police officers have a too much power on what they are allowed to do. How are they upholding the law with the amount of abuse that is going on in this video? There are ways to handle situations that call for excessive force or extreme actions. I do not believe this was one of them. So, the suspect swallowed the sock, okay, no problem put him in handcuffs and take him to get an x-ray. Drugs found, no force needed. I am sure there are protocols on how to handle these situations and these cops are lawless. When asked why did they punch him 6 times? They gave two responses, we did it so he wouldn't choke on the drugs and fear that one of the officers arm was trapped under the suspects body, but how is that possible when they are ones holding him down?! Wouldn't it make sense to just lift him up? I mean the guy can't be no more than 5'8" and there is more than one officer. I can only describe this as Lawless.  Here is the link to read this story Denver police brutality

Next up we have the case of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. We ALL have heard about it and read about it. It is a shame. There are countless videos and tweets specifically from @Theepharoah that shows minute by minute account of what happened. From what is being formulated is that Michael Brown ran away from the officer, he did not hit him or harm and was not physically harming the officer in any way. The reports say he was shot 6 times with one bullet wound to the face. He was shot in the face!!! How is that not seen as criminal intent? How is shooting a person while running away from you seen as "I was in fear for my life". Micheal had no gun, he was unarmed. If you don't believe me go to ryot.com and click on Michael brown video and tweets to view the post about this new turn of events. As we now know the officer involved in this shooting was not indicted and the town of Ferguson went into a frenzy of peaceful protests that were not peaceful at all. They hurt local business owners. Instead of looking out for each other and coming together, they let their anger get the best of them. If you want something to be done protest with smarts not force for then we are continuing the circle of violence that police officers seem to have now. Violence begets Violence. I think we all know what is right from wrong and I will say it, this shooting was wrong. Of all the other ways to stop someone from running shooting someone in the face is not necessary. There are other ways of to stop a person. May Michael Brown's soul rest at ease and life payback to the man that made this happen.

The last case, but not least is that of Eric Garner. A man who was about to be arrested for selling illegal cigarettes. I didn't know that such a minor offense required you to be put into a choke hold, be thrown down into the ground, have your chest compressed and pushed upon so hard that the medical examiner states that this is what you died of. Whats worse? Mr. Garner lost his life over cigarettes. The officer who did this was also not indicted, yet he has two suits against him since 2013 of which one was dismissed and the other is still open. CNN has the full video clip for you to see how this event takes place. On CNN.com the report states the following: The New York Medical Examiner has ruled Garner's death a homicide. The cause of death was "compression of neck (chokehold), compression of chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police." But the medical examiner also listed acute and chronic bronchial asthma, obesity and hypertensive cardiovascular disease as contributing factors in Garner's death. (click here to read full report). I am sure the defense attorney used this to his advantage when the focus should have been what this officer did. What I can't believe is this man lost his life to cigarettes...really?! I mean really????
As most people don't want to state the obvious I will, police officers should be evaluated further than just a few psychological interviews in the beginning when they are hired. They should be cross examined constantly like if they are going to work for the secret service. 

How the hell can I trust a police officer to use the law accordingly when lately the aggression seems to be against people who are not white? Am I saying that every officer is like this, NO, not by any means. I actually know of a few good officers that stick to the oaths they take at school. Clearly the power officers are being granted and the escape of repercussions for their actions is what needs to be looked at. Why are these men so apprehensive, counseling and therapy is available, at times required for these officers who have encountered really trying things, but why is no one bringing up the fact that some of these officers could be experiencing post traumatic stress syndrome. No one is exempt from this. It shows that we now live in the new wild west a lawless, were the law is no longer upholding the law, but being as criminal as criminals themselves. I still hope that the officers who are good and do goodwill continue on their quest as I know it is hard in today's society with so many people breaking the laws. I just ask help us believe in the law again because as of right now I think a lot of people have lost faith and wouldn't be surprised if a civil war broke out in the years to come from so much racism, violence, degradation, oppression and frustration.

I too have been subjected to the nasty ways of wild cops when the immigration issue first came out. I was stopped in Palm Springs, FL on a "routine" seat belt check. Funny this is I had my seat belt on, no brake lights out, it was 7:30 am, I didn't have tint on my car at the time, license clean, insurance active....why the hell was I pulled over is what I thought. It became clear when he gets to the window and says "This is a routine seat belt check." I replied "Oh I see, I have my seat belt on. Thank you." He then tells me to hand him my license and registration. I furrow my brows and hand it to him. He walks away, checks it and comes back with asking me if I had my passport. I was blown away. He asked me if Garcia was my real last name. I was appalled. I said "excuse me, I gave you my license and registration of which I know they are both clear and I do not carry my passport with me. Can you tell me what is my offense?" He asked me to get out of the vehicle and I told him I will not. That I have done nothing wrong and he has no reason other than to ask me for passport to check to see if I was an illegal immigrant. I looked at the name on his badge and told him that I cannot believe you pulled me over because of what I look like and my last name. I may have gone a bit far but I said "I was born in a military hospital on a military base. While you were still a child in 1991, my father was serving this country in the gulf war. And as soon as I get to work I am going to call the department to put in formal complaint because legally you have no reason to have pulled me over. I wasn't speeding, everything checks out and nothing on my car is broken. As you see I am in scrubs trying to go to work. One day I will become a nurse and I pray that you never find yourself in the need of my care." He looked at me shocked and told me that all of that was not necessary, apologized to me and said I could be on my way. the cherry topper in this situation...he was white. I am not saying his racist or prejudiced. Perhaps racially profiling, maybe. Poor choice of trying to find illegal immigrants, definitely.

I will never forget this experience. It showed me into what direction this society is heading. I am not racists or prejudiced. I believe we are all the same, it is our actions that define us not the color of skin or the way we look. Did I call his supervisor you may be thinking? I won't say. A true lady does not divulge such things, but what I will say is this. How many more people are going to have to die at the hands of the law or be mistreated before something is done? We need to elevate one another not degrade one another. May the force be with you my fellow readers. Remember we are all one...it starts with peace.

Post 13. Kairos

I started to write about why microbiology books should be electronic books and it was going well, but then I heard something on the radio that changed my mind. On NPR which is national public radio they were talking about how most of the states up north and in the mid-west have adapted virtual classrooms or virtual learning where students are required to log in via computers, IPad or tablets when they have snow days. I thought to myself wow! This is truly a sign of the times that we live in. I chose to switch to this topic because I feel it is most relevant and having been able to experience this myself at South U with my professor made me think I have to write about this!

We live in an era where technology rules practically everything from schools to doctors office to work. Why not use this technology for good use rather than Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc...integrate this into the schools. It was so convenient for me to be able to log in from home and still participate with my class when I was not able to make it on time due to work. This is the best idea anyone could enforce into the schools. I think I am definitely touching upon Kairos which is being able to write relevant to the times. As this is being implemented currently in New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. There are more states to come. I will put forth a very good argument why every classroom should have virtual education.

Post 11. Your feet and You

Today I am writing about our feet. For the most part everyone has a pair. The average person gives no importance to there feet. Sure we women paint our toenails and men cut their toenails, but does anyone stop to really give thought to there health? I have worked for many doctors in my career as a medical assistant and Podiatry-study of the feet has to be the most interesting, which is the field I currently work in. See, without our feet we'd be helpless. Our feet proper us forward, hold us up, allow us for motion. Our toes are even important. For example, if we didn't have a big toe we would have issues with balancing ourselves because the big toe is what provides us with stability. I know what you're thinking..euuwww gross smelly feet is what you look at all day?! Yes and not all feet are smelly. I see lots of people with toenail fungus, nail separation, painful heel, painful toes, numbness and tingling in the toes or the feet...bunions, pinched nerves, fractures, and total ankle replacements.

The truth is there are so many crazy things that could go on with your feet. Diabetics are prone to chronic ulcers because they have peripheral neuropathy-meaning they have lost sensation in the feet, so the pressure from their shoes or their own bones can produce ulcers that don't heal. I see amputations from people not taking care of little wounds that can turn to holes with the infection going down to the bone; at this point amputation is needed. The most common type of pain we see is heel pain, usually this starts early in the morning before you get out of bed and when you go to stand up, the pain gets worse. Until you start moving and gain momentum. About 80% of the time this is Plantar Fasciitis. There is ligament in your foot called the Plantar Fascia which is connected to your toes and your muscles in the calf. When the calf muscles get too tight it may pull on the plantar fascia and cause tightness with inflammation. Most of the times it is attributed to being on your feet for long periods of time. Runners also have issues with this as the impact of running can tear the plantar fascia thus creating plantar fasciitis. 

If you find yourself in this situation from long hours of being on our feet I am here to help. As I currently work for a podiatrist and am suffering from the same situation. As for my nurses this is something we cannot escape once we graduate, those long hours on our feet. This is a condition that can go away with cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching and good foot support. Typically, you want to try conservative treatment before you resort to medication and injections. I am by no means telling you not to seek medical attention for any pain you are experiencing, I am simply offering a small beacon of relief until you see a Podiatrist. Stretching is the most important thing anyone and everyone should do first thing in the morning! Why would I want to stretch you say? I feel good...here is why. Your muscles are being used all day long and when you go to rest at night this is when the body regenerates itself from all that you did that day. If a muscle was used in a way that normally isn't used or overused than that muscle is fatigued, inflammed and will get tight. Stretching helps eliminate the soreness and the tightness you will fill. This is the same concept for your foot. Stretching is everything. 

I am currently doing this therapy and taking anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate whatever pain I am feeling, I do not want Cortisone injections...this scares me. Even if you are not feeling heel pain, use these stretching exercises to keep your feet healthy. Remember without those feet you'd be missing out on everything you do. And if yo do need to see a Podiatrist for any foot problems call the office I work for, my doctor is a very good doctor. I don't say this because I work for him I say this because he was the first doctor to have done a complete total ankle replacement on a patient and has patented his own devices to use for surgery. The man is good people. Below is the office name and information if you need us call us and...May the force be with you!
CERTIFIED FOOT AND ANKLE SPECIALISTS
http://certifiedfoot.com/
Boca Raton: (561) 995-0229
Ft. Lauderdale: (954) 533-6396
Boynton Beach: (561) 369-2199
West Palm Beach: (561) 357-9330
Coral Springs: (954) 753-3030

Post 10. Black Friday the bargain apocalypse?

Tis the season to start preparing for that day that all Americans take more serious than their mothers birthday...that day is Black Friday. I am pretty sure that everyone including immigrants in this country (please excuse my reference I am not trying to offend anyone just want to make a point) know what Black Friday is. Or at least they think they know. It is known as the day after Thanksgiving, always a Friday that stores open at ungodly hours to start the sales. People expect the prices of most things within the store to be extremely low and believe they are getting an amazing bargain. Think about it how many people do you know if not yourself who waited in line for a coveted item to get it at a price next to nothing because you ordinarily thought it was expensive. We all have done it, waited in line, some camping out in front of the store and if you haven't done it like me, then I congratulate you. Black Friday is really a scar event to go to...let me give you a brief history where it came from, why it can be dangerous and is it really a bargain apocalypse?

The history of Black Friday according to the Huffing Post originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania circa 1966. The term was created by the Police Department of Philadelphia due to the traffic congestion, the amount of shoppers that swamped the stores and all around just behaving badly in order to get their deals. The police departments had to add extra cops on the scene which meant long hours for everyone. Not only was there the massive crowds for shopping but, the weekend after Thanksgiving in Philadelphia is where the Annual Army-Navy Football Game was held. With this two events going on you can imagine what this city was up against. The police officers thought they were being smart by naming it something scary like "Black Friday" in the hopes it would deter shoppers and it would offer some relief. This did not work, instead people took the name with honor and created something that would still be going strong almost 50 years later. What is ironic is that the name itself originated from the retailers from the amounts they made. See in the retail accounting industry in the 1950's-1960's using red ink meant loses while black ink meant profits. Retailers would move from the red into the black, meaning money was being made. This usually happened after Thanksgiving Day. The term was there for a few people who really knew what it meant but, it was the police officers who made it stick. The sad part is those officers never got any credit for the name as the retailers then turned the name into an iconic advertisement that starts the minute October ends.

 

Americans will say that Black Friday is not insane that this a tradition. That we should all be partaking of this amazing deal. Most people will take the day off to go shopping not realizing that the real deals do not happen on this day. It happens just before depending on what you are buying. An article written by the Wall Street Journal tracks the deals for a few major retailers for two years to see if consumers are truly getting a deal. What you will find may come to you as a surprise. Electronics, jewelry, toys and household items prices dropped, but not by much. The real deals that were up to 50% off occurred from September to October and even as early on in March. Jewelry actually increased as we got closer to Thanksgiving and much higher by Christmas. Most electronics had the same pattern including clothes that were on demand like the famous Uggs. There are a few real bargains for example the Xbox does lower there prices only on Black Friday as well as a few other game consoles. The sales to really look for actually come around spring time, summer time and just as fall hits. Another thing to be aware of is that as the most wanted items are bought and a fewer are left the prices will go up even on the day of Black Friday. If you don't believe me click on WJS to read the full article and get the numbers. I wasn't surprised to see this article as I pride myself in being a bargain queen, but what I did find surprising was how one year the Elmo doll price went up by 31% the closer we got to Black Friday because it was in high demand. I love a good bargain as much as anyone , but Black Friday is not the end all bargain day. I for one will not be camping out anywhere just to get a a few dollars off on what would've been cheaper a few months back. 

My fellow readers I do not want to deter you from this tradition if you are accustomed to going or want to try this. I haven't gone Black Friday shopping because I don't want to wake up early to fight with a bunch of people over items that aren't really on sale. I will probably still be overly stuffed and extremely grateful for all that I have. However, if you find yourself preparing with elbow pads and knee pads I have posted below some rules to follow to keep safe because although Black Friday is great there will be a lot of crooks out there looking to rob or steal. Courtesy of the National Crime Prevention Council they have compiled a safety list of the ten things to do this Black Friday shopping season. 

1.Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
2.Shop online with companies you know and trust. Check a company’s background if you are not familiar with it. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
3.Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.   Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit  card or bank statements as they come in. 
4.Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
5.Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
6.Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
7.Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
8.Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
9.Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.
10.If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help. 

I hope that this blog is helpful for you this shopping season whether it's Black Friday or Christmas shopping. Be safe at all times, but most importantly have fun! And if you do not wish to venture out into the stores for Black Friday then just remember that now we have Cyber Monday where all the online stores have there shopping apocalypse. All you need is a catheter installed so you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom along with a coffee drip in case you get tired, it's funny come on admit! The holiday season is supposed to be of cheer and good times and just remember this....You will not be the only one shopping on Black Friday, be patient and be kind although that is almost like asking a bull in a china shop to not break anything...May the force be with you my fellow readers and your wallets this season!! 

Post 9. The impact of words

In the course of our lives we will have said countless words. As being the only species that uses language to communicate, humans have an extensive vocabulary. We say so many things and even as you are reading this you are saying words in your head that I have written to communicate with you. Words have an impact. Words have the power to build and to break. I am currently taking a class called Human Growth and Development. I am learning how people are changed and affected through out their life span. I'm learning how we develop from infancy to your elder years. I find it all interesting and its all important. Yet, one thing resonates over and over again....words do impact. 

In class we watched the move Precious and had to analyze the behaviours. For those who haven't seen the movie it is definitely about adversity and over coming traumas in your life. Precious was always told that she was dumb, ugly, fat, stupid. That no one wanted her. She was sexually abused by her father of whom she had two children with. Her mother constantly abused her physically, emotionally and mentally. The abuse of her mothers words led Precious to believe all the things her mother said about her were true. Precious didn't believe she smart, beautiful or even capable of elevating herself. In the end she overcomes it all with true resilience. And this got me thinking...how many of us who have kids have said something along the lines of "are you stupid? How many times do I have to tell you this? Or made comments about their weight, height, things they like, their friends. When most of us are just trying to be "there" for our children not realizing we're breaking them. This doesn't just apply to children; this is for adults too. Your partners, spouses, parents, siblings, etc. I use children because they are the most impressionable and vulnerable. I come from a home where words were used that shouldn't have been. I started to believe these words and associated myself as not amounting to anything as I was told. You hear it enough times and you will start to believe it.  

Later on in life did I realize that I was so much more than what I thought I was. Still because of schematic imprinting in my brain, I married someone who also abused me emotionally and verbally. I would justify his words or tried to ignore them and would disassociate myself with the situation to cope. Pushing all the pain back and locking it away until I imploded and all the resentment settled in. Needless to say I woke up one day and left. I never looked back. From that moment on I realized the power of words. They can be uplifting, sweet caring and kind, encouraging even. I look at my daughter and know that I want to be uplifting with my words. I want to heal her with my words not break her so that she doesn't make the mistake of accepting hurt for love. We need to think before we speak but only for the things we know might hurt. Tell your wife or husband how much you love them, your kids, family, friends. Ask how someone is doing genuinely and listen. Words can be healing we all just need to know how to use them. You can build or break the choice is all yours.