Bentonville is Walmart everything: headquarters, playground for all new and old technologies, and Rogers did not go far from all this excitement.
Anyway, here we go. Now I am unemployed once again :) I am volunteering as a web content manager for Global Water Dances and liking it. So I have one more skill under my belt: Wordpress. Because it is a toll basically, it can be learned and worked with HTML coding skills, so, I am learning it as I go. For example, I have learned where images go and how they stored. BTW, here is a very uncomfortable structure for images storage Wordpress gives by default. There are only two levels of digital library organization: year and month of uploading the picture. There is no way to create your own structure. So, in a way, pictures just piled up there. But Wordpress did come up with something called "Gallery." It is still a pile of pictures physically wise, but it's somewhat organized for visual presentation - on as web. There is restricted search. It is restricted to edit, to play with all together, so this is not really a developer's choice. Fortunately, here I learned very necessary thing: you can teach Wordpress to play with you. You just need to know ways around :) Sometimes waaaaay around, but here comes handy a good skills of mine: HTML/CSS coding. And thanks to my dad, I naturally have a good taste (I hope so) for designing the pages.
They do restrict you a lot in building your own page, but if you think about this, all this makes perfect sense. I am volunteer, and eventually I can drop that thing and somebody else should be able to pick it up right where I dropped it off.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
My new southern thing
Bentonville is Walmart everything: headquarters, playground for all new and old technologies, and Rogers did not go far from all this excitement.
Anyway, here we go. Now I am unemployed once again :) I am volunteering as a web content manager for Global Water Dances and liking it. So I have one more skill under my belt: Wordpress. Because it is a toll basically, it can be learned and worked with HTML coding skills, so, I am learning it as I go. For example, I have learned where images go and how they stored. BTW, here is a very uncomfortable structure for images storage Wordpress gives by default. There are only two levels of digital library organization: year and month of uploading the picture. There is no way to create your own structure. So, in a way, pictures just piled up there. But Wordpress did come up with something called "Gallery." It is still a pile of pictures physically wise, but it's somewhat organized for visual presentation - on as web. There is restricted search. It is restricted to edit, to play with all together, so this is not really a developer's choice. Fortunately, here I learned very necessary thing: you can teach Wordpress to play with you. You just need to know ways around :) Sometimes waaaaay around, but here comes handy a good skills of mine: HTML/CSS coding. And thanks to my dad, I naturally have a good taste (I hope so) for designing the pages.
They do restrict you a lot in building your own page, but if you think about this, all this makes perfect sense. I am volunteer, and eventually I can drop that thing and somebody else should be able to pick it up right where I dropped it off.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
How ADA make people monsters
I will not go into too many details on this topic, just say that if there are “rules” people tend to forget the key idea, “spirit” of those rules. People tend to forget what their brains and hearts were used to be used for. They typically rely too much on those rules. As sad as it sounds, this is typically true. For example, Americans with Disability Act (ADA), despite the fact that it was passed to serve needy people, this law does not give the employee and employer any flexibility; instead the evidence suggests the opposite. The intention was excellent and, of course, out of questions, but the implementation many years later is driving people further and further from this intention. Everybody knows that disabled people are not “equally” disabled, they all have different problems; even if there is some classification that supposed to identify some groups of needs, the key point on this is that it is only theoretical. Most people try to “average” out some needs and make recommendations according to the descriptions, unfortunately, transformation of those recommendations into an obligation can be a disaster, because what helps one person can harm another that can be irreversible 3.
Moreover, no disabled person wants people to recognize the disability of his/her in a traditional way, because it normally hurts 2,3,4. The traditional view of disability often focuses on a defect or impairment and not on the person himself/herself 5. The ADA states disability as an advantage almost, so disabled person has “privileges” before others. This gives a person often at least weird looks and, as a normal reaction, hate and/or avoidance from others, especially combined with impossibility to explain everybody that “privilege” is not really a privilege. In addition to that, it offends the person 5,8. A lot of times it not only hurts, but this means excluding the person from any society activities, writing him/her off. It often almost feels as the society is burying the person alive, guided by the nice and kind motive “it is good for them, be easy on them” and so on.
The ADA offers a protection to disabled people on problems they may encounter during the life like discrimination regarding to the accessing the opportunity to get the “perfect” fitting job for their skills, discrimination at the work place of any kind, arranging appropriate accommodations. The reverse of this “medal” is the fact that, as everybody knows, everything has a price-tag and in this case the cost comes as overly protected rights. It means decreased opportunity for “perfect” job, because despite what the employer says he/she will think about circumstances and attaching the label for everybody to see the “abnormality” or “exclusivity”. Another adverse event is suggested by many researches, and it is the fact that a lot of people are pretending to be disabled and overall in serious health condition in order to get all the government help they can. As a result of this, often, really needy people cannot get a hold of things they were supposed to get, according to this law 1. There are two key reasons for that: the limited resources and the limited ability of the majority of disabled people speak for themselves for many reasons. For example, some of disabled individuals could be not good enough at knowing their rights, they could be not strong enough to “fight” against the bureaucratic machine, or they could be reluctant to the revealing their health condition if it is not apparent.
On the other hand, ADA dictates employers such rules that disabled people (or the ones pretending to be disabled) unfireable no matter what. So the individual can be a lousy personality nobody wants to work with, he/she can be a terrible worker, as well; yet, nobody can fire him/her. Furthermore, if the person feels abandoned or something he/she can sue the employer, so the employer see that person as a potential lawsuit even before hiring the individual with declared disability. Even though the employer is denying any discrimination and declaring offering equal opportunity rights for every person applied for the job. The employer will perhaps never get any problems and will only win hiring the disabled person because of his/her skills, but there is a potential chance for the employer to lose a lot of money and reputation, which sometimes is a deciding factor in the hiring process. Another potentially deciding factor for a negative answer to the incumbent is that the individual will ask for accommodations that are not very appealing for the employer to offer in regard to utilizing the money, time, and/or other resources 6,7.
The conclusion is simple - ADA was supposed to be a respectable and effective law when it was first publicised. However, since that time a lot of things have happened, a lot of changes took place, besides the fact that no law can consider all possible situations or it will be a huge pile of contradicting statues. Considering all of the above, all of the negative stuff about ADA could be avoided if people live by their heart more than by their rules, which, in fact, not always their particular will.
References
- BustAThief.com. (2010). Disability fraud – disability scam. Retrieved from http://www.bustathief.com/disability-fraud-disability-scam/
- Diversityworld.com. (2011). The ten commandments of communicating with people with disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.diversityshop.com/store/10comvid.html
- Hartman, M. (March 2004). People with and without disabilities: Interacting & communicating. Retrieved from http://eeo.gsfc.nasa.gov/disability/publications.html
- Henry, S.L. (2007). Interacting with people with disabilities. Retrieved from http://www.uiaccess.com/accessucd/interact.html
- Murugami, M.W. (2009). Disability and identity. The Society for Disability Studies, 29(4). . Retrieved from http://dsq-sds.org/article/view/979/1173
- Olson, W. (July 26, 2010). ADA’s 20th Anniversary. Retrieved from http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/adas-20th-anniversary/
- Sparks, K. (June 04, 2011). Pros & cons of ADA. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/info_8541954_pros-cons-ada.html
- Youtube. (November 13, 2010). Stossel affirmative action bake sale. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn48t-X0uNU
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
My granny
I am not sure, but seems that she has had the same symptoms I have (well, I am relaktant to say it, but I'll try, I have spinocerebellar atrophy). I mean, she has been “clumsy” all the time, but the thing is that her husband, my beloved grandpa, just dedicated himself to her. He was taking care of her so that everybody saw it as she was just “lazy” and he was doing everything. Maybe it was “envy” talking in people :) Because everybody only saw the surface, which was the obvious display of “one-sided” story of my grandparents life. The thing about it is that they were living in a country side in Ukrain, which was not so forgivable to the people who are not as healthy. Everybody has to be strong to be able to take care of the garden, of the children, of the house, of income, and, in addition to that, women were obligated to take care of their husband and, moreover, woman always was the one who holds the key responsibility for house and the children. The man has to be only “there”; therefore, it is obvious that my granny was not a great fit in that society; nevertheless, fortunately for her, my grandpa was there for her.
Actually, she was a reason for me to receive an “F” in history; while they told me a “horror” story about masters in feudal Russia, I was thinking of granny’s version of it; somehow, I trusted it at much bigger scale than I ever had trust in my teachers' version who only read about the whole thing. One little story stuck in my memory; it is how my granny’s master took care of her when she had some health problems, how he paid everything and such. That was my granny who taught me how masters were in real life.
She narrated her version of a revolution: they actually did not know about anything that big and that critical was happening in big cities until commies came to villages to “dispossess” things from masters in order to help poor and working class. People like my granny did not know that they were supposed to “struggle” and “survive”, they just worked and lived. That simple, they did not need anybody to do things for them. How my granny ever ended up in Siberia, is whole another story. They were refugees from Ukrain after the World War II, when the massive starvation began; as funny as it was, my dad was born on the way to Siberia. He has a Kasach birth certificate :)
I did not have everything today’s kids have, I did not have big televisions to tell us a story, I did not have entertaining things, but I had my granny to tell me a true story of how things were. Even though my childhood was not all that great because of neverending bullying and things, I am still looking back to my childhood with nostalgia and mixed feelings. There were great moments deserve to be remembered like my granny and her stories.
They are both rest in peace today, unfortunately, my granny has lived without her husband for almost ten years, but now I am sure they are together and happy again. One very promising thing she gave me, the age to which she lived. She passed away at 90 years, so this age is the “deadline” for me too :) Now I am “pursuing” the same career of a “lazy” woman. My husband is doing everything for me, I mean everything, except one thing. I am able to think :) Well, I have a long-long life ahead of me :) The only obligation I have at this point is that I have to “use it” up to the potential, do the best out of what I have.
Actually, she was a reason for me to receive an “F” in history; while they told me a “horror” story about masters in feudal Russia, I was thinking of granny’s version of it; somehow, I trusted it at much bigger scale than I ever had trust in my teachers' version who only read about the whole thing. One little story stuck in my memory; it is how my granny’s master took care of her when she had some health problems, how he paid everything and such. That was my granny who taught me how masters were in real life.
She narrated her version of a revolution: they actually did not know about anything that big and that critical was happening in big cities until commies came to villages to “dispossess” things from masters in order to help poor and working class. People like my granny did not know that they were supposed to “struggle” and “survive”, they just worked and lived. That simple, they did not need anybody to do things for them. How my granny ever ended up in Siberia, is whole another story. They were refugees from Ukrain after the World War II, when the massive starvation began; as funny as it was, my dad was born on the way to Siberia. He has a Kasach birth certificate :)
I did not have everything today’s kids have, I did not have big televisions to tell us a story, I did not have entertaining things, but I had my granny to tell me a true story of how things were. Even though my childhood was not all that great because of neverending bullying and things, I am still looking back to my childhood with nostalgia and mixed feelings. There were great moments deserve to be remembered like my granny and her stories.
They are both rest in peace today, unfortunately, my granny has lived without her husband for almost ten years, but now I am sure they are together and happy again. One very promising thing she gave me, the age to which she lived. She passed away at 90 years, so this age is the “deadline” for me too :) Now I am “pursuing” the same career of a “lazy” woman. My husband is doing everything for me, I mean everything, except one thing. I am able to think :) Well, I have a long-long life ahead of me :) The only obligation I have at this point is that I have to “use it” up to the potential, do the best out of what I have.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Reflection on government in our health life
I oppose the “umbrella” solution in the form it pronounced right now, so called "managed care" concept. I believe, that the solid lasting solution is not in a bunch of regulations and “shelter” provided by the government. There is no urge to “guide” people everywhere, this approach to a problem will only create the attitude “why do I need to do anything? the big brother will do everything for me, he always does!” It is a welfare state of mind, which promotes poverty and immorality. There is a tail in Russia that has a thesis, that if somebody always taking care of a person, sooner or later the simple conclusion can be made: “if I give him the food, why not I chew it for him too?”
Salaried doctors are good for minor problems, because they will not care about patients (why? they will be paid anyway, have the nice dinner and things, they do not need to think about better service). I believe that, by nature, people can manage to sort out good and bad, they often only need information, not tight guidance. Healthy competition can support people in finding the right path in improving their services. Free people much more often are generous to vulnerable, than those who are relying too much on government.
References
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=6698http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1498511/Welfare-promotes-child-poverty.htmlhttp://media.barometer.orst.edu/media/storage/paper854/news/2002/10/28/Forum/Baro-Columnist.Paints.A.Poor.Picture.Of.Welfare-2294519.shtmlhttp://patterico.com/2008/10/13/obamas-95-tax-cut-illusion/
Salaried doctors are good for minor problems, because they will not care about patients (why? they will be paid anyway, have the nice dinner and things, they do not need to think about better service). I believe that, by nature, people can manage to sort out good and bad, they often only need information, not tight guidance. Healthy competition can support people in finding the right path in improving their services. Free people much more often are generous to vulnerable, than those who are relying too much on government.
If the some rural area is the context for schema of delivery healthcare services, traditionally, there is no competition; I believe, that the fact, that everybody knows everybody and poor reputation will stick to the doctor, can stop or at least slow down unacceptable behaviour.
As many of you probably know Alaska is very independent-minded state, probably because it is still an America, but, at the same time, the territory geographically separated from America. I learned here that people can and will be accountable for their life, up here it was a matter of survival.
References
http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=6698http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1498511/Welfare-promotes-child-poverty.htmlhttp://media.barometer.orst.edu/media/storage/paper854/news/2002/10/28/Forum/Baro-Columnist.Paints.A.Poor.Picture.Of.Welfare-2294519.shtmlhttp://patterico.com/2008/10/13/obamas-95-tax-cut-illusion/
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Some thoughts about healthcare and money
I cannot stop thinking about it just because I am working in a hospital and even perusing healthcare career studying.
I am officially disabled, fortunatily, I have invisible disability now (thanks God!). I have gotten a job because I do not look like the person who is making living on Government check. In fact, I never received anything from the Government, not even a tax exemption or something. I do not really need any help from the Government, thanks God, I can be useful to the society, and the society pays me back.
The only thing is that I do not want any intrusion in my life. I am getting angry, when I have to pay twice as much as “ordinary” people do. For example, for travel I need to make special arrangements, rent a big car to carry wheelchair, rent wheelchair itself, and so on. On top of it I have to pay ridiculous taxes. My hard earned money which I desperately need myself tom people who, in lots of cases, just do not want to change their lifestyle and keep living on a Government check! Why? It all looks like I have to pay twice just for being alive and relatively well. I want to be able to be nice and do donations like I always did. If those in Government decide to raise my taxes, I will have to forget about it. Just think about surviving. Alternative for me looks very sad: just sit at home, do nothing, think nothing and hope for nothing.
I am officially disabled, fortunatily, I have invisible disability now (thanks God!). I have gotten a job because I do not look like the person who is making living on Government check. In fact, I never received anything from the Government, not even a tax exemption or something. I do not really need any help from the Government, thanks God, I can be useful to the society, and the society pays me back.
The only thing is that I do not want any intrusion in my life. I am getting angry, when I have to pay twice as much as “ordinary” people do. For example, for travel I need to make special arrangements, rent a big car to carry wheelchair, rent wheelchair itself, and so on. On top of it I have to pay ridiculous taxes. My hard earned money which I desperately need myself tom people who, in lots of cases, just do not want to change their lifestyle and keep living on a Government check! Why? It all looks like I have to pay twice just for being alive and relatively well. I want to be able to be nice and do donations like I always did. If those in Government decide to raise my taxes, I will have to forget about it. Just think about surviving. Alternative for me looks very sad: just sit at home, do nothing, think nothing and hope for nothing.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Student
Well, new twist in my career - I am a student now :)
Walden University pursuing Masters of Science. I like it, in fact, when I was in deciding mode, I was thinking that I will expand my horizons to some higher level and will learn more some English :)
What can I say, it is working for me. I am getting what I wanted to get. Great.
Nice side effect for me - I am always busy :) Researching and reading stuff. Actually, I am really pleased to have so many resources under my fingers. Best way to keep your mind working is to work. So I do. Well, if the nature has decided to shorten me on something - it is my job to find a way to lengthen the rest.
Walden University pursuing Masters of Science. I like it, in fact, when I was in deciding mode, I was thinking that I will expand my horizons to some higher level and will learn more some English :)
What can I say, it is working for me. I am getting what I wanted to get. Great.
Nice side effect for me - I am always busy :) Researching and reading stuff. Actually, I am really pleased to have so many resources under my fingers. Best way to keep your mind working is to work. So I do. Well, if the nature has decided to shorten me on something - it is my job to find a way to lengthen the rest.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
New things
As l already mentioned it in Dan's blog (the link is on the right side of the post) I would be adjusting now to a new things.
Smells. It's driving me crazy! First (about two years ago) it started as phantom smell of household chemicals like bleach or something. And it "transformed" to smell of burnt toast.
First (about half a year ago) it started as a weird smell when I was having headache or just my heart was going crazy over something. It was just beating very fast.
And now I smell the burnt toast all the time! This smell seems to replace all the good around. I'm a girl for Christ cake!! What about my favorite Chanelle? What about my roses or any other beautiful flowers? Why I smell this not great not appetizing in any way thing? Why not some spring smell, some flowers.
Life is not fare at all. (angry-litle-girl-smile)
Smells. It's driving me crazy! First (about two years ago) it started as phantom smell of household chemicals like bleach or something. And it "transformed" to smell of burnt toast.
First (about half a year ago) it started as a weird smell when I was having headache or just my heart was going crazy over something. It was just beating very fast.
And now I smell the burnt toast all the time! This smell seems to replace all the good around. I'm a girl for Christ cake!! What about my favorite Chanelle? What about my roses or any other beautiful flowers? Why I smell this not great not appetizing in any way thing? Why not some spring smell, some flowers.
Life is not fare at all. (angry-litle-girl-smile)
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