Psychological Attraction

Psychological Attraction

Studies have been done to determine what men and women find desirable traits in the opposite sex. Across the world, gender differences were found. Apparently, men value youth and beauty, while women rate partners’ looks and age as relatively unimportant. Conversely, women place greater emphasis on wealth and status.

Theorists have explained the discrepancy in terms of evolution. Given the much larger and demanding involvement of the human female in procreation than the human male, “sperm is cheap” while “eggs are expensive”. Although offensively blunt and morally repugnant, ensuring reproductive fitness meant for the male to mate with as many partners as he possibly could, while the female had to find the one worthy male who would stick around, protect her and the offspring and provide sustenance and shelter. Thus, the different sexes would have evolved different mating success strategies.

Whether one believes the claim or not, it has been used to excuse cheating behaviour. For example, when award winning actress Sandra Bullock’s husband Jesse James committed adultery, his mistress tattoo model Bombshell McGee stated the evolutionary view to defend his actions.

Other psychological theories of attraction involve beauty. Female beauty has been more often objectified than male handsomeness. The pursuit of the perfect appearance led to suffering on many occasions. In the West, there are young women and teenage girls who starve themselves to attain the impossibly thin ideal. In some African nations, girls are force-fed fatty camel milk in order to fatten them up. Otherwise, they would be considered unattractive. In one disturbing documentary, unwilling children were beaten to ensure the fattening food consumption. The whole is made the more deplorable when an Ethiopian supermodel recalls how she was shunned in her homeland for her (natural) waif looks.

However, there is some universal agreement on what makes a mate beautiful. In global surveys, the main characteristics that came listed for women were skin (clear, smooth complexion) and waist-to-hip ratio. The waist-to-hip ratio is the circumference of the waist divided by the circumference of the hips at their largest. If the ratio falls between 0.7 and 0.9, then such women are rated as the more attractive ones to men. Again, evolutionists cite survival of the fittest. A potential mate with clear skin is more likely to be healthy, while a woman with a particular WtoH ratio is presumably neither pregnant nor unable to bear children.

Body type ideals also exhibit several gender differences. Consistently, men appear more confident about their own bodies and prefer a slightly bigger female body type than women, who tend to fall prey to self-doubt and think that a thinner shape is wanted than actually is. Both sexes like symmetric facial features.

Psychological attraction? Illustration : Megan Jorgensen.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day, also called Veterans Day, Poppy Day or Memorial Day is a memorial day observed in Canada since the end of the First World War to remember all the Canadians who died in the line of duty in the throes of war and peacekeeping efforts. This day was designated by King George V in 1919 to be observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. The memorial evolved out of Armistice Day, which was held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace in London. Remembrance Day in Quebec is also referred to as Jour du Souvenir.

In 1918, hostilities formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in accordance with the armistice signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente, even when the First World War officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.

Since 1919, honoring the men and women who sacrificed their well-being to protect ours, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is recognized in silence across Canada. In addition to parades and commemorations across cities and small towns, all Canadian flags on federal government buildings are flown at half-mast and schools across the country observe at least a moment of silence at 11 a.m.

Many people wear artificial poppies on their clothes in the weeks before Remembrance Day. The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem In Flanders Fields.

These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders, and their brilliant red colour became a symbol for the blood spilled in any war. On November 11, special church services are organized. These often include the playing of "The Last Post", a reading of the fourth verse of the 'Ode of Remembrance' and two minutes silence at 11:00 (or 11am). After the service, wreaths are laid at local war memorials.

The official Canadian national ceremonies are held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. A service is held and wreaths are laid by armed services representatives. In May 2000 the remains of a Canadian soldier who died in France in World War I, but was never been identified, were laid in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.

Since then, people have laid poppies, letters and photographs on the tomb. Similar services and events are held throughout Canada. Some schools that are open on Remembrance Day hold special assemblies, lessons and presentations on armed conflicts and those who died in them.

The federal government recognizes Remembrance Day in the Holidays Act as a national holiday, but not all provinces treat it as a paid statutory holiday. Its status varies by province.

Remembrance Day is not a statutory holiday in Quebec, although corporations that are federally registered may make the day a full holiday, or instead, designate a provincially recognized holiday on a different day. When Remembrance Day falls on a Sunday or Saturday that is a non-working day, workers are entitled to a holiday with pay on the working day immediately preceding or following the general holiday.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Remembrance Day. The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem In Flanders Fields. Photo : © Megan Jorgensen.

Thank you, Veterans. Photo : © Megan Jorgensen.

Lest We Forget. Photo : © Megan Jorgensen.

Cenotaph in face of the Old City Hall in Toronto. Photo : © Megan Jorgensen.

Delirium

Delirium

Information for patients, family and friends. This text will help you to learn more about: What delirium is, its signs and symptoms, how can it be treated, how family and friends can help, where to find more information or resources.

What is delirium?

Delirium (dih-leer-ee-uhm) is a condition which causes a person to become confused in their thinking. It is a physical problem (a change in the body), not a psychological one (change in how the mind works).

Delirium usually starts over a few days and will often improve with treatment.

Delirium happens more often in those who already have dementia or depression, but it is different in these ways:

Delirium happens quickly and then can disappear. It can come and go at any time. This does not happen with dementia and depression.

Patients with delirium cannot focus their attention. This is different from patients with dementia or depression.

There are two types of delirium:

1. Hypoactive delirium happens most often in elderly patients. These patients are often mistaken for having depression or a form of dementia.

Patients with hypoactive delirium may:

• Move very slowly or not be active
• Not want to spend time with others
• Hesitate when speaking or not speak at all.

2. Hyperactive delirium is easier to recognize.

Patients with hyperactive delirium can:

• Be worried or afraid
• Be restless (not able to stay still or have trouble sleeping
• Repeat the same movements many times
• Experience hallucinations (seeing something or someone that is not really there)
• Experience delusions (believe something that is not true)
• At times, a patient can have both hyperactive and hypoactive symptoms.

What causes delirium?

Delirium can be caused by:

• A physical illness: Changes to body chemicals, dehydration (lack of water) or an infection, such as a urinary tract infection, could cause someone who is ill to become delirious.
• Medications: Some medicines used to treat illness or control pain may cause delirium.

Remember: Anyone can become delirious when ill.

What are the signs and symptoms of delirium? Here come common symptoms and signs:

Disorganized thinking: Saying things that are mixed up or do not make sense

Difficulty concentrating: Easily distracted or having difficulty following what is being said

Memory changes: Not able to remember names, places, dates, times or other important information

Hallucinating: Seeing or hearing things which are not real

Having delusions: Thinking or believing things which are not true or real

Feeling restless: Not able to stay still, trouble sleeping, climbing out of bed

Changing energy levels: Changes from being restless to being drowsy or sleepier than usual.

Other things to know about delirium

A person with delirium may not be able to understand when people are trying to help them. They may become irritated (angry) with hospital staff and family. They may start to think that everyone is against the, or are trying to harm them. Some delirious people may want to call the police to get help.

Delirium is like being in the middle of a very strange dream or nightmare. The difference is that the person with delirium is having these experiences while they are awake.

Can delirium be prevented? Illustration by Elena.

How can delirium be prevented?

Medicine has focus on patient safety preventing delirium from happening to any patient.

Doctors carefully screen (check) patients for factors that may cause delirium. They then address these factors early to help prevent it. These factors include:

• Hearing problems
• Vision problems
• Not enough water in the body (dehydration)
• Not being able to sleep or other sleep problems
• Dementia, depression or both
• Having trouble in thinking clearly – reasoning, remembering, judging; concentrating, understanding, expressing ideas
• Difficulty getting up and walking around
• The medications being taken
• History of alcohol or recreational drug use
• Chemical changes or imbalances in your body
• Low oxygen in your body
• Other health conditions or illnesses.

 How is delirium treated?

• The healthcare teams at hospital will create a safe environment for the patient and help them stay calm.
• They will look into the cause of the delirium based on the screening factors and symptoms. Many times, there is no single cause.
• They will then address the factors and symptoms. This could include: reviewing and changing medications, providing fluids, correcting chemical problems in the body, treating infections, treating low oxygen levels.

What can family and friends do to help?

Patients, family and friends can all help to prevent delirium. There are also many things that family members and friends can do to help someone who has delirium:

• Talk with the health care team about any signs of delirium you see developing in your loved one. Use the signs and symptoms described above to help you.
• Make sure your loved one always has their hearing aid, dentures, and glasses close by, if needed.
• Use a calm, soft voice speaking to your loved one or when speaking with others in the room.
• Place a soft light in the room at night so that your loved one will always know where they are. Before bringing in any electrical items, check with the healthcare team first. Keep the window curtains open to help your loved one know if it is daytime or nighttime.
• Remind your loved one where they are, what time it is, the date and the season. If possible, place a large sign in their room or write this information on a whiteboard. For example, you could write: “Today is Thursday, January 22, 2015. You are at Toronto General Hospital.” This will help them to stay connected.
• Gently reassure them that they are safe.
• Encourage your loved one to drink fluids, but check with the healthcare team first if they have any fluid restrictions. Feel free to bring their favourite foods from home, but check first with the health care team about any foods they should not eat.
• Make up a schedule of family and close friends who will stay with your loved one day and night so they will not be alone. This will help them feel more secure, less frightened and calm.
• Bring familiar photos into the room or play familiar music softly in the background.
• Limit the number of visitors who come to see your loved one until the delirium goes away.
• Make sure to look after yourself and get some rest and relaxation. Go out for short walks, remember to eat, and drink fluids to keep up your energy level.
• It is not easy to be with a delirious person, even though you may understand the problem. It may help to share your thoughts and feelings with someone. Feel free to speak with the health care team.
• Try not to become upset about the things your loved one with delirium may say. Delirious people are not themselves. In many cases, they will not remember what they said or did while delirious.

Preventing delirium in the hospital: Clocks and calendars may help patients stay oriented.

With the right kinds of treatments, the delirium should go away or be greatly reduced.

There are many healthcare professionals who can support and help you during this time. Please feel free to speak with your doctor or nurse and any other member of the team, including the Psychiatry service, spiritual care of social work.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions or any concerns?

The healthcare team can answer any questions or concerns you have about delirium. Many helpful websites, articles, books can help you find more information about delirium.

With the right kinds of treatments, the delirium should go away or be greatly reduced. Illustration: Megan Jorgensen.

Finding Employment

Finding Employment

Finding a job can be a quite daunting task, especially if the local, or even global, economy is in a recession. Frightening accounts in the news state massive unemployment rates and dark prospects for graduates. In actuality, the situation may be even worse, since unemployment rates exclude from calculation those who are studying, working part-time, outside productive age range, and especially important, those who have given up all hope of getting work. Thus, for econometricians, the unemployed are defined as people without permanent employment who are actively seeking employment.

In the Western world, as well as other parts of the planet, the traditional path to securing employment is to first acquire qualifications or skills, through education and experience. Then, one looks for work according to how qualified one is. One niche in the marketplace, so to speak, is easily picked up in one CV (curriculum vitae) or resume, as well as the cover letter and references.

Today, many individuals turn to the Internet unlike the help wanted sections of newspaper ads. Interestingly, statisticians report low rates of success on electronic boards. Nonetheless, studies differ, so one never knows for sure. Most human resource professionals would advise to turn to one's social networks, friends and acquaintances can often point one in the right direction.

Being fired and/or prolonged joblessness may lead to feelings of sadness and despair. Image: Copyright © Elena.

Stars as in Astro

Stars as in Astro

Stars have captivated human attention since times immemorial; popular media phenomena Star Wars and cult-inspiring Star Trek are just two among many proofs.

Further, astrology is the practice of attempting to foretell the future based on the position of the stars, as in the twelve horoscope signs that stem from the belief that a person born under a particular stellar arrangement has a predetermined destiny and personality.  JoJo Savard, a Quebec born television personality of the 1990s, was the first astrologer to gain public recognition in Canada.

In the scientific realm, there are astronomy, astrobiology, astrochemistry and astrophysics. In Quebec, the most prominent are: astronomical professional endeavor Mont Mégantic Observatory (AstroLab of the National Park of Mount Megantic), the non-professional association FAAQ (Fédération des Astronomes Amateurs du Québec), and the astrophysical CRAQ (Centre of Research in Astrophysics of Quebec).

Stars as in Astro. Illustration by Elena.

Due to the impossibility to place a massive gaseous object into empty space and watch it evolve for a million years, astrophysics and astronomy are observational and not experimental sciences. Although physics is indeed a science, debates nonetheless remain. For example, Pluto has recently (circa 2008) lost its planetary status, due to the many “Plutos” in similar elliptical outer orbits. Eris, a planet larger than Pluto, has been discovered and it is expected that similar others will follow in the near future (the Hubble telescopes and the Voyager probes launched in the 1970s have advanced the field tremendously). Similarly, the Moon, essentially a rock, is larger than Pluto and due to the unusual, as compared to other planets, Earth-Satellite proportion, they could be considered as two planets.

Our solar system is part of the Milky Way Galaxy, one star (the Sun) among billions of stars, among billions of galaxies. The closest spiral galaxy to us is Andromeda; the two are expected to collide in billions of years to form a mega-galaxy, as is often the case elsewhere. Now, this is much more impressive when actually drawn to scale, but the order of magnitude (non-exhaustive list) is as follows:

Moon < Earth < Jupiter < Sun < Sirius < Arcturus  < Rigel < Antares < Betelgeuse < Binary Star VV Cephei < Vy Canis Majoris. Which of Betelgeuse or Antares is larger is a matter of argument, but both are the brightest visible red supergiants in Earth’s sky. Vy Canis Majoris, a red hypergiant located in the Canis Majoris constellation in our galaxy, is the most luminous and biggest star known to man. All entries in the above sentence including and following the Sun are stars. The Sun is young; a middle aged star turns into a red giant, and a dying star becomes a white dwarf (extremely dense). After one tries to ponder just how enormous a star like Vy CM is, one goes further by contemplating that of these stellar masses there are trillions. Still, all these stars, planets, comets, gas and other floating materials in the universe comprise only 4.9% of its totality, ¾ of the universe being dark energy (human comprehension largely pending), and the rest dark matter.

Finally, black holes are so dense that even light cannot escape them, which is why we fail to see them since we only perceive objects as photons get reflected from them. A black hole escape velocity is greater than the speed of light; therefore even light gets trapped inside once it reaches the event horizon (the point of no return). Maybe with a telescope from Naturaliste à Québec, the next black hole will be discovered from the province…

Stars as in Astro. Our solar system is part of the Milky Way Galaxy, one star (the Sun) among billions of stars, among billions of galaxies… Photo by Elena.