1,000 = 1.000
0.36 = 0,36
Sunday, August 25, 2013
French Lesson #2
For our second French lesson, like our second German lesson, we will be learning our numbers!
In French, like German, the commas and periods are switched.
1,000 = 1.000
0.36 = 0,36
1,000 = 1.000
0.36 = 0,36
German Lesson #2
This week, for our second German lesson, we will be learning numbers. Hopefully all of you paid attention to the alphabet lesson because that will come in handy later.
Next lesson, we will learn how to do simple math in German.
Helpful Hint - In German, the periods and commas are opposite how we use them in English. For example, 1,000 in German is 1.000 while 0.20 in German is 0,20.
Helpful Hint - In German, the periods and commas are opposite how we use them in English. For example, 1,000 in German is 1.000 while 0.20 in German is 0,20.
Scientific Breakthrough in Schizophrenia
Recently, a group of psychologists released an article in Neuron describing what has been termed as a scientific breakthrough in regards to schizophrenia. In this article, Dr. Lena Palaniyappan, described how she and her team of researchers have found what may possibly be the cause of delusions and other psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, in schizophrenic patients.
The psychotic symptoms exhibited by schizophrenic patients has, through this research, been linked to a so-called faulty brain switch that enables the mind to switch between objective reality and their inner thoughts. Objective reality is how we see the world through our own mental filters and is shaped by our past conditioning. This switch between the insula and the lateral frontal cortex, when functioning properly, is what allows humans to switch from inner thoughts to what is happening around them. When the switch isn't properly functioning, as in schizophrenic patients, the mind's inner voice becomes reality for the affected person. That is, they begin to hear and see things in their reality that in a normal functioning person, is kept strictly inside the mind.
The insula is the part of the brain where our inner thoughts and fantasies take place. It is kept in check by the lateral frontal cortex. In the study, drug use was also shown to disrupt the lateral frontal cortex's ability to keep the insula in check. That is, those who used recreational drugs such as marijuana, also experienced hallucinations and delusions because of the disruption between these two key components of the brain.
Another conclusion from this particular study is that the researchers believe that schizophrenia occurs because of underdevelopment of the brain while in the womb and during early childhood. Studies conducted comparing the brains of schizophrenic patients and healthy individuals, researchers discovered that the insula in schizophrenic patients have smooth, folding patterns covering this particular region of the brain. This particular appearance of the insula gives the impression that the insula is underdeveloped.
This study concluded that whereas normal patients can swift effortlessly from their insula to their lateral frontal cortex, those with schizophrenia cannot. They exhibit little to no control over their lateral frontal cortex.
With the findings of this study, it is believed that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be the best method of treatment for those with schizophrenia. This form of treatment, which is about to go into its early trial stages, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate malfunctioning brain regions. It may possibly be able to the stimulate the malfunctioning 'switch' between the insula and frontal lateral cortex. With further testing, it is possible that there may soon be an effective, side-affect free treatment for schizophrenic patients.
Currently, only 20 percent of those with schizophrenia, which is the most common, severe psychological disorder in the world, make a full recovery. If TMS is successful, it is believed that the successful recovery of schizophrenic patients will become more common.
Links:
Article Published in Reuters
Psych Central Article
 |
| A Map of the Brain |
The psychotic symptoms exhibited by schizophrenic patients has, through this research, been linked to a so-called faulty brain switch that enables the mind to switch between objective reality and their inner thoughts. Objective reality is how we see the world through our own mental filters and is shaped by our past conditioning. This switch between the insula and the lateral frontal cortex, when functioning properly, is what allows humans to switch from inner thoughts to what is happening around them. When the switch isn't properly functioning, as in schizophrenic patients, the mind's inner voice becomes reality for the affected person. That is, they begin to hear and see things in their reality that in a normal functioning person, is kept strictly inside the mind.
 |
| The Insula |
The insula is the part of the brain where our inner thoughts and fantasies take place. It is kept in check by the lateral frontal cortex. In the study, drug use was also shown to disrupt the lateral frontal cortex's ability to keep the insula in check. That is, those who used recreational drugs such as marijuana, also experienced hallucinations and delusions because of the disruption between these two key components of the brain.
Another conclusion from this particular study is that the researchers believe that schizophrenia occurs because of underdevelopment of the brain while in the womb and during early childhood. Studies conducted comparing the brains of schizophrenic patients and healthy individuals, researchers discovered that the insula in schizophrenic patients have smooth, folding patterns covering this particular region of the brain. This particular appearance of the insula gives the impression that the insula is underdeveloped.
 |
| An Underdeveloped Toddler Brain |
This study concluded that whereas normal patients can swift effortlessly from their insula to their lateral frontal cortex, those with schizophrenia cannot. They exhibit little to no control over their lateral frontal cortex.
With the findings of this study, it is believed that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be the best method of treatment for those with schizophrenia. This form of treatment, which is about to go into its early trial stages, uses magnetic pulses to stimulate malfunctioning brain regions. It may possibly be able to the stimulate the malfunctioning 'switch' between the insula and frontal lateral cortex. With further testing, it is possible that there may soon be an effective, side-affect free treatment for schizophrenic patients.
 |
| TMS Treatment |
Currently, only 20 percent of those with schizophrenia, which is the most common, severe psychological disorder in the world, make a full recovery. If TMS is successful, it is believed that the successful recovery of schizophrenic patients will become more common.
Links:
Article Published in Reuters
Psych Central Article
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
German Lesson #1
The other language that I think is just amazing is German or Deutsch as they like to call it! Now, I don't speak German, but my lovely friend, Cassie, does! She's going to be helping me with these posts since she speaks German herself.
The lesson for today is similar to the for French - the German alphabet. And for added fun, there is also a German alphabet song.
The lesson for today is similar to the for French - the German alphabet. And for added fun, there is also a German alphabet song.
French Lesson #1
So, I've recently developed a scary obsession with French. It's a beautiful language and it's considered one of the most cultured in the world! Everyone loves the French. What isn't there to love about France? There are cafes, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles, and so much more!
Anyway, I thought I would share some French with you guys at least once a week. It really isn't a hard language to learn once you get the basics down! Today's lesson will be an easy one: the French alphabet. Here's a little youtube clip of the French alphabet!
So, practice that alphabet tonight and tomorrow we will do numbers!
Anyway, I thought I would share some French with you guys at least once a week. It really isn't a hard language to learn once you get the basics down! Today's lesson will be an easy one: the French alphabet. Here's a little youtube clip of the French alphabet!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Family Portraits
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently released two new family portraits that had been taken at the Duchess of Cambridge's parents' home and snapped by her parents. The portraits are a royal first in their informality - making the royal couple seem just like everyone else. What do you guys think of the new family portraits?
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| Kate, Will, George, Luppo, and Tilly |
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Angels vs. Humans
There is a misconception among many people that when you die, you become an angel. This isn't true. I understand where this urban legend comes from. One has only to look at television or children's books to understand why so many people believe this lie.
For starters, how many television shows have you watched were a person dies, goes to Heaven, and gets their wings? I know that I have seen plenty of shows, a lot of cartoons, and some movies where the instant a person dies, they either become an angel or have to earn their spot as an angel. This isn't the case.
Humans do not become angels. According to the Bible, only one human has ever become an angel. Not only do humans not become angels, but angels do not look like humans. Books and television like to make us believe that angels and men have the same features, but we do not. Angels are more in touch with their godlike powers; in fact, they are referred to as semi-gods with God being the head. Angels have different proportions than humans - the most noticeable being that their heads are bigger.
The second problem with this notion is that there are no female angels. Popular culture has led us to believe that angels are women, but they aren't. Anyone who has ever read the Bible knows that, while Zechariah 5:9 alludes to possible female angels, it cannot be confirmed. The rest of the Bible; however, makes a point that angels are only male.
I don't understand why our culture has such a fascination with wanting to be angels. We find out in the Book of Revelations that humans are God's favorites and the reason for Lucifer's failed rebellion and subsequent fall from Heaven. Why would you want to be an angel when you are already God's favorite?
Links:
Online Bible
| A Depiction of Michael the Archangel |
For starters, how many television shows have you watched were a person dies, goes to Heaven, and gets their wings? I know that I have seen plenty of shows, a lot of cartoons, and some movies where the instant a person dies, they either become an angel or have to earn their spot as an angel. This isn't the case.
Humans do not become angels. According to the Bible, only one human has ever become an angel. Not only do humans not become angels, but angels do not look like humans. Books and television like to make us believe that angels and men have the same features, but we do not. Angels are more in touch with their godlike powers; in fact, they are referred to as semi-gods with God being the head. Angels have different proportions than humans - the most noticeable being that their heads are bigger.
| Lucifer in his Angel Form |
The second problem with this notion is that there are no female angels. Popular culture has led us to believe that angels are women, but they aren't. Anyone who has ever read the Bible knows that, while Zechariah 5:9 alludes to possible female angels, it cannot be confirmed. The rest of the Bible; however, makes a point that angels are only male.
| Pop Culture's Version of Angels |
I don't understand why our culture has such a fascination with wanting to be angels. We find out in the Book of Revelations that humans are God's favorites and the reason for Lucifer's failed rebellion and subsequent fall from Heaven. Why would you want to be an angel when you are already God's favorite?
 |
| An Artist's Version of Lucifer After Being Cast From Heaven |
Links:
Online Bible
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