a few more minutes before my birthday ends
so i take this few minutes to express whats in my mind
yesterday i wasn't feeling very happy ...
mom, ate, dad countdown with me but i was not happy
dunno why i just dont feel good...
I celebrated at home with family friends...
and play some fireworks hahahaha...
have some reflection from the past when i was kid....but, I don't want to dwell it here no more...

20 years on earth, 20 years of full support and happiness with my mom; 20 years minus three years of being here in unpredictable country (USA) equals 17 years of spending my life with my closest friends, just a friend, a best friend, closest cousins in Philippines, and of course 20 years minus a counting years for my sister and dad. 
when i cut my cake ...
last night i made a wished ....
i wished that everyone around me will be happy ....
i wanna be happy too....

i would like to share something ....
something ....for my 20th year as a living being.

I figured out that...

Sa Lugar, bansa at buong mundo masasabi mong iba iba ang tao.

Mahirap ang tumakbo kung maraming sumusunod sayo. Gusto mo umalis pero pilit kang sinusundan. Mananahimik ka, pero pilit kang gusto magsalita. Mag-isa ka pero pilit silang duma-dami. Madaming bagay dito sa mundo ang sapilitan! SAPILITAN gawin, mangyari at pangyayari.

What I missed about u are things that rarely can't replace by someone. Even my special ones.

Kris Joseph magpayo

Pharmacist Advises Consumers to Learn About the Active Ingredients in Cough and Cold Medications to Ensure Proper Treatment of Symptoms

As the weather gets colder and the sniffles progress into coughs, colds or flu, consumers flock to their local pharmacies to pick up over-the-counter (OTC) remedies. 

Unfortunately, most shoppers have a hard time deciding which medication they should choose to ensure proper treatment of their symptoms. According to a recent survey by Harris Interactive for the Perrigo Company, fewer than 40 percent of consumers are familiar with the most common active ingredients in cough, cold and flu remedies and only 43 percent ask for the help of the pharmacist. 

Due to the wide variety of symptoms that people may experience, it's especially important to treat the right symptoms. If you have a runny nose and sore throat, medications that include an ingredient to control coughs should be avoided. "Consumers need to make sure they choose medications that treat only the symptoms that they have and that they are not taking medications they don't need," says Eckel. The best way to make sure that you choose the appropriate medication to treat cold symptoms is to understand the different active ingredients and the cold symptoms they treat. 

Consumers should be aware of four major active ingredient categories related to cold symptom relief. They are analgesics, nasal decongestants, cough suppressants and expectorants. Medications that treat more than one symptom, often referred to as combination medicines, are also an option. 

Cough suppressants, will help to control a persistent cough, and expectorants, will make coughs more productive. 

Advertised Brand: Robitussin(R) DM

Active Ingredient: Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin

Store Brand Product: Tussin DM

Mechanism of Action

Guaifenesin is thought to act as an expectorant by irritating the gastric mucosa and stimulating respiratory tract secretions, thereby increasing respiratory fluid volumes and decreasing phlegm viscosity

Dextromethorphan is a chemical relative of morphine lacking narcotic properties except in overdose; controls cough by depressing the medullary cough center

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to guaifenesin, dextromethorphan, or any component of the formulation; use with or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy

Advertised Brand: Sudafed(R) 

Active Ingredient: Pseudoephedrine HCl

Store Brand Product: Nasal Decongestant

Mechanism of action:

Pseudoephedrine has direct- and indirect- sympathomimetic activity and is an effective decongestant in the upper respiratory tract. It is a stereoisomer of ephedrine and has a similar action, but has been found to have less pressor activity and fewer central nervous system (CNS) effects.

Sympathomimetic agents are used as nasal decongestants to provide symptomatic relief. They act by causing vasoconstriction resulting in redistribution of local blood flow to reduce oedema of the nasal mucosa, thus improving ventilation, drainage and nasal stuffiness.

Indications

This section must contain the indications of the product as specified in the ARTG. If the indications are not specified in the ARTG (e.g. for a non-validated grandfathered product), the indications must be as specified on the product label. 

Contraindications

Pseudoephedrine is contraindicated for use in patients:

• • with known hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to pseudoephedrine (or any of the other ingredients in the product);
• • with severe hypertension or coronary artery disease;
• • taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have taken MAOIs within the previous 14 days.

Advertised Brand: Afrin(R) 

Active Ingredient: Oxymetazoline HCl

Store Brand Product: Nasal Spray

Mechanism of Action 

Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the arterioles of the nasal mucosa to produce vasoconstriction

Contraindications  

Hypersensitivity to oxymetazoline or any component of the formulation

Combination medicines: - For a multi-symptom cold with a wide range of symptoms, such as nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, aches and fever, there are OTC medicines which include active ingredients to treat specific symptom combinations. 

Advertised Brand: NyQuil(R) or DayQuil(R) 

Active Ingredient: Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine Succinate* and Pseudoephedrine HCl (* ingredient is not included in DayQuil(R)) 

Store Brand Product: Nite Time Liquid or Softgels; Day Time Liquid or Softgels

Advertised Brand: Actifed(R) 

Active Ingredient: Pseudoephedrine HCl and Triprolidine Hydrochloride

Store Brand Product: Cold and Allergy Tablets

Advertised Brand: Triaminic(R) Cold and Cough

Active Ingredient: Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan and Pseudoephedrine HCl

Store Brand Product: Triacting Cold and Cough

Mechanism of Action

Chlorpheniramine maleate: prolong and intensify the effects of Antihistamine

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, or any component of the formulation; severe hypertension; severe cardiovascular disease; use with or within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAO inhibitor; narrow-angle glaucoma; urinary retention; peptic ulcer disease; breast-feeding

Advertised Brand: Theraflu(R) Severe Cold

Active Ingredient: Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine HCl, Dextromethorphan and Chlorpheniramine Maleate

Store Brand Product: Flu Severe Cold and Congestion

Mechanism of Action:

Acetaminophen's exact mechanism of action is unknown. Unlike aspirin, acetaminophen is primarily centrally acting, has no effects on platelet aggregation, and is a reversible inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme involved in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. The antipyretic activity is exerted by blocking the effects of endogenous pyrogen on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center, possibly by inhibiting PG synthesis. Heat is dissipated by vasodilation, increased peripheral blood flow, and sweating. An analgesic effect may be produced by a direct action on the pain threshold. This effect is believed to be due to inhibition of PG synthesis or inhibition of the synthesis or actions of chemical mediators or other substances that sensitize the pain receptors to mechanical or chemical stimulation. Acetaminophen does not possess peripheral antiinflammatory activity.

Chronic ingestion of acetaminophen may lead to hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. The mechanism of either toxicity may be similar. An acetaminophen metabolite, p-aminophenol concentrates in the hypertonic renal papillae. Oxidized metabolites of p-aminophenol bind covalently to sulfhydryl groups on tissue macromolecules leading to cell necrosis. Binding to sulfhydryl groups can occur in either the liver or kidney. Subsequent depletion of glutathione reserves can lead to hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity.

Indications:

• fever
• mild pain
• Contraindications:
• alcoholism
• anemia
• aspirin hypersensitivity
• hepatic disease
• hepatitis
• infection
• phenylketonuria
• renal impairment

Advertised Brand: Alka-Seltzer Plus(R) Cold

Active Ingredient: Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine HCl and Chlorpheniramine Maleate

Store Brand Product: Plus Cold

Kris Joseph Magpayo

     

GENERIC NAME: PIOGLITAZONE - ORAL (pie-oh-GLIT-uh-zone)

BRAND NAME(S): Actos

Lets gather some information about :

A. How does this medication work or their mechanism action

B. Common indication

C. Side effects and their contradiction

D. Interest Facts

A. This is how "ACTOS pioglitazone" works and mechanism action of each body :  

Generally, the body will break down (digest) food into products it can absorb and use. One of those products is glucose, or sugar, the main source of energy for the body. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is needed to let glucose into the body's cells so it can be processed into energy. For people with Type 2 diabetes, the body is able to produce some insulin, but not enough. In addition, the cells have become resistant to the effects of insulin, which means that the body can't respond to the insulin. This condition is called insulin resistance.

When tissue, such as muscle, becomes insulin resistant, the body loses its ability to utilize glucose effectively. In an attempt to use the glucose, the body responds by telling the pancreas to produce extra insulin (a condition known as hyperinsulinemia). The extra insulin tries to unlock the cells and force them to take the glucose from the bloodstream. The liver also becomes insulin resistant and responds by overproducing glucose. This contributes to high blood glucose (known as hyperglycemia). Eventually, the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to compensate for insulin resistance.

As a result, glucose levels rise in the blood. Actos effectively reduces insulin resistance, fasting insulin levels, and blood glucose. Actos, along with healthy eating and physical activity, works by helping the body use its naturally produced insulin, or administered insulin in type 2 diabetes, to help use glucose as a fuel and reduce the harmful buildup of glucose.

   Reducing insulin resistance with ACTOS

Along with healthy eating and physical activity, ACTOS works by reducing insulin resistance, which helps reduce the harmful buildup of sugar in the blood.

ACTOS increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin. When the cells in the body are more sensitive to insulin:

They can absorb blood sugar for the energy they need to function properly.

The amount of sugar in the blood goes down, because the sugar is absorbed by the cells rather than remaining in the blood.

     Turning food into energy

                                     *     When you eat, food is broken down into different products that can be used by your body.

                              *     One of those products is glucose, or sugar, the main source of energy for the body.

                              *     In order to process glucose into energy, the pancreas produces insulin—a hormone that allows cells to absorb glucose (sugar).

                              *     Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is needed to let sugar into the body’s cells so it can be processed into energy.

     Insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes

For people with type 2 diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin to properly use the sugar in their blood. In addition, their cells lose their sensitivity to insulin—a condition known as insulin resistance.

Because some cells, such as muscle cells, are not sensitive to insulin, they cannot absorb blood sugar for the energy they need to function.

The body responds to this situation by signaling the pancreas to produce more insulin, causing insulin levels in the blood to become too high. This condition is known as hyperinsulinemia. Unfortunately, even this extra insulin does not allow insulin-resistant cells to absorb blood sugar.

Eventually, the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to compensate for insulin resistance. The cells in the liver also become insulin resistant and respond by making too much blood sugar.

Because blood sugar is not absorbed by the cells, it stays in the blood, causing blood sugar levels to rise—a condition known as hyperglycemia.

Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood can result in damage to parts of the body, such as the kidneys, eyes, nerves, and heart.

     In Other words the uses of Actos Pioglitazone is:

Pioglitazone is a drug that reduces the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is in a class of anti-diabetic drugs called "thiazolidinediones" that are used in the treatment of type II diabetes. The other member in this class is rosiglitazone (Avandia). (Another member of this class, troglitazone or Rezulin, was removed from the market because of liver toxicity.) Patients with type II diabetes cannot make enough insulin, and the cells of their body do not respond normally to the reduced amounts of insulin that are present. (Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates cells to remove glucose from the blood.) Pioglitazone often is referred to as an "insulin sensitizer" because it attaches to the insulin receptors on cells throughout the body and causes the cells to become more sensitive (more responsive) to insulin. As a result, more glucose is removed from the blood. At least some insulin must be produced by the pancreas in order for pioglitazone to work.

Pioglitazone also lowers the level of glucose in the blood by reducing the production and secretion of glucose into the blood by the liver. In addition, pioglitazone may alter the blood concentrations of lipids (fats) in the blood. Specifically, it decreases triglycerides and increases the "good" (HDL) cholesterol. 

B. What about looking at the common indication:

Actos is an oral antidiabetic drug of the thiazolidinedione class, used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by diet. It acts mainly by decreasing insulin resistance, via improving sensitivity to insulin in muscle and adipose tissue. Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, usually once daily, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and if you are taking other anti-diabetic drugs. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Monitor blood glucose levels on a regular basis. It may take up to 2 to 3 months before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Take all other medications for diabetes as directed by your doctor.

Actos should be taken once daily with or without food.

Monotherapy: The recommended dosage of Actos is 15 or 30 mg once daily, increasing after four weeks, if greater therapeutic effect is needed, to 45 mg once daily.

Combination therapy: The recommended dose of Actos is 30 mg once daily in combination with sulfonylureas, insulin or metformin. It may be possible to achieve metabolic control at a reduced dose of the sulfonylurea, insulin or metformin.

• If there is a particular risk of hypoglycaemia, pioglitazone can be introduced at a dose of 15 mg.
• For patients already on insulin, pioglitazone should be introduced at a dose of 15 mg once daily. Dosage can then be increased cautiously.

 Maximum recommended dose: The dose should not exceed 45 mg/day since doses higher than 45 mg/day have not been studied in clinical trials.

C. Contradiction or Side effects:

Sore throat, muscle pain, or tooth problems may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: swelling, unexplained rapid weight gain, trouble breathing, unusual fatigue, fast/pounding heartbeat, changes in menstrual cycles. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dark urine, yellowing of eyes/skin, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain. This medication usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), but this effect may occur if you do not consume enough calories (from food, juices, fruit, etc.). The symptoms include chills, cold sweat, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, rapid heart rate, weakness, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands or feet, or hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you are in a situation where you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or non-diet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To help prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your medication dosage may need to be increased. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

 Common side effects of Actos:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache
• Sinusitis
• Sore muscles (myalgia)
• Leg cramps
• Vision disturbances
• Sore throat
• Urinary tract infection
• Swelling of extremeties (oedema)
• Back pain
• Weight gain

Uncommon side effects of Actos:

• Oedema (swelling of extremeties, water retention)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

D. But the facts are:

Do not share this medication with others. It is recommended you attend a diabetes education program to understand diabetes and all the important aspects of its treatment including meals/diet, exercise, personal hygiene, medications and getting regular eye, foot and medical exams. Keep all medical appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts, CPK levels) will be performed to monitor for side effects and response to therapy. Regularly check your blood or urine for sugar, as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking pioglitazone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; if you are allergic to other "glitazones" (e.g., rosiglitazone, troglitazone); or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), newly diagnosed or worsening heart failure (acute congestive heart failure), very high blood glucose (diabetic ketoacidosis), active liver disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., chronic congestive heart failure), liver problems, fluid in your lungs, swelling (edema), anemia. You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcohol while taking this medication because it can increase the risk of developing hypoglycemia. During times of stress, such as fever, infection, injury or surgery, it may be more difficult to control your blood sugar. Consult your doctor, as a change in your medication may be required. This medication can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (ovulation) in women with certain fertility problems. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while taking this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may substitute insulin for this drug during your pregnancy. Follow all instructions carefully. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Krislyn Pitero

English*001 A

Dr. Christy Brown

September 25, 2007

 

Just a scratch of failure

 

FAILURE; Not really my word, it never comes into my mind that I will fail on I want to succeed on. I always see to it that I am doing my best in every single moment of my life. Oh yeah, I remember some of them called me a liar or hypocrite. That is what I want to be a "looser". Yes, that’s few years back when I am still learning the ups, downs, and odds of my life. Now at 18 years of age I have learned that you will never say that you cannot get through success without failing. Now, are you thinking that failure is my word? I don’t want to grow old without knowing the right path of being in these obstacles or soon to be a part of my strength. I could soon become a rock, a solid, unchanging, powerfully dense object In order for me to fulfill my goal, which is to become a successful nurse practitioner; I have to be strong enough to face my failures. As I enter the reality of life that had full of lessons. 

Eighteen years ago, my parents are so fascinated and happy when I came in this world. As a little girl all I think about is play, toys, milks and the comfort given by my parents. Every time I had those little things over a little girl, I feel so fulfilled and contented. As time flown, I come up to realize that I fail on doing something. I failed on catching my father’s attention. Attention that a kid yearning for. I am looking for some appreciation from him, but every time I make an effort it seems effortless, compared to my bright, pretty and witty sister. Just to clear things up, I have nothing against my sister; I actually dearly love her so much. I just envy her because she has this attention. Attention that makes me feel self pity. Attention that I wished and I am yearning and I could say begging for. I do make some moves to makes him proud of me like having good grades, and doing things that will impress him, but still a FAILURE. Yes, failure , a word that I really hate, but here I am keep on tracking it down. As I am growing up and seeing thing clearly and different I came to realize that if my father’s not giving me attention and appreciation then for god I care. It is time for me to move on and see what the world can offer to me. As for me If my father thinks I am not good then not. If my father thinks I am a mess, so what. I came up to the point that I don’t want to think about what my father wants. I tried to live like a normal kid. Do what they are doing, think what they are thinking, in other words putting my attention to my friends and had those attentions I wanted. I also fail on convincing other people around me that I am a good person. I can’t blame them, maybe they are judging me on the way I look, act and mingle around with my friends. You can always see me chatting with friends with a very high pitch voice, always laughing and joking around. Some says I am a brat, but they don’t really know what I really feel inside of this smile. Inside of me who is very lame, hurt young woman who is longing for some attention and appreciation.

Then he came…As a teenager it is normal for us to have crushes, someone who we like and think before going to bed. I have some few puppy love of my own, despite of all the problems I had with my family, I am still normal and capable of liking the opposite sex. A man who gives me all the attention, aprreciate me in his own little ways andpraising me everytime he can. God! How good is the feeling that someone is finally appreciating me. We talked, play,having a good date, and talking over the phone like there is no tomorrow. Everything is so good except for one thing. Again I FAILED, why? I fail of thinking the right thing to do. Yes, we are happy, yes we always want the feelings of being in love. I failed to remind myself to hold back, and try not to fall that deep, simply because he has a SON, Imagine how dumb I am taking the risk to get hurt and still fall when all the time I know that he has already responsibility. Even though they are not married, and even though it really hurts me, I still continued loving him. Because of the fact that no one could appreciate me except him. I AM THE OTHER WOMEN. No matter how I depend it, not matter how we love each other and no matter what I think, in peoples eye with their narrowest brain. Hey, I am just the OTHER WOMAN, HOMEWRECKER, etc.. I tried to fight for this forbidden love but it came up to a point that I realize that I had enough. I want to have a normal life and having it means running away from him.

With the help of my mother and some relatives, I flew form Philippines(was the place I was born and raised) to the promise land USA. As I grew up, I understood what was going on around me and how people acted. I was happier there because it was easier for me to connect and share things to my people. Dealing with the same kind is much easier because you will use your own language as well as you could also express things easily. Looking back in my high school days in Philippines, we used to stand up and greet the instructor "good morning Ms. or Mr." As we start the day with prayer. If we did something wrong in class, you have to stand up for the entire time for your punishment and listen to whatever they are saying. Sometimes it is just better to shut up because if you answer them back, they will think that you are disrespecting them which will lead to suspension. Respect for them is really a big deal. Fortunately, I had to go here for a better future. The places and people are lot more different. "In America, anyone can become a millionaire; it's just a matter of being in the right place at the right time."(310) Going to a new country is a good opportunity to start all over again.

 

I also consider this as one of my obstacles in life which is assimilating the new culture. I usually feel horrible and irritable over little things. Occasionally I cry without much reason. Living the house by itself is difficult. You start actively refusing to take your language lesson instead of just skipping class. My attitude became different, that it seems far away from my past which I became deeper. I might have different kinds of reason behind these things from myself as individual spirit through our soul. But, it is also worth keeping in mind too when we are deciding whether or not to struggle on one another for a better living of my new future. Who used to be an innocent baby to a successful innocent yet powerful woman! According to Trung( a writer); "Even if it all came crashing down tomorrow, he says he would take a few days of suffer and then go on". Yes he is right, the most important things are how you recover from the MISHAPS. There is always more opportunity. There’s never a lack of opportunity. That’s what I love about this country. So many opportunities."(316) I gain succeed despite of those numerous failures. After all these trials, I have this feeling of becoming a nurse practitioner and a responsible light to my family. Ease and delighted of victory I got after a long run. Being a nurse was for me, a service to others which is worth living.

  Do you want more failures? I am now in stage of realization. I fail most of the time yet strong and powerful. Can you picture my name Krislyn Pitero which maybe a failure too. One thing I just realize, how god really loves me that he gave these for his own purpose. Imagine with those obstacles I could still found myself managing with a good and contented life. Success is quite along hidden. But, failure taught me a lot to be in the right path of successful. Difficulties are my ways to overcome my success in life. Everything can be continuous journey of fulfillment.

Works Cited

Colombo, gary, Robert Cullen, and Bonnie lisle. Rereading America. 7^{th ed. Boston: Bedford/St.}

Martin’s, 2006.

Mantios, Gregory. "Class in America-2003. Rereading America: An Anthology for Cultural

Contexts for critical thinking and Writing. 7th ed. Eds. Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and

Bonnie Lisle. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s 2006. 309-310.

Rather, Dan. "Trung Dang". Rereading America. 6th ed. Eds. Gary Colombo, Robert Cullen, and

Bonnie Lisle. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s 2006. 310-316.

Bonnie Lisle. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s 2006. 309-310

 

 

A Message from a cousin and my Uncle...

As I grow up, I learned that even the person wasn't supposed to ever let me down did. I had my heart broken more than once and its harder every time. I broke hearts too. So I remembered when mine was broken. I fought with my best friend. I'll blame a new love for things an old one did. I'll cry because time is passing too fast, and I'll eventually lose someone I love. So I take many pictures, laugh too much, and love like I've never been hurt because every sixty seconds I spend upset... is a minute of happiness I'll never get back.

I want to meet someone who knows how to be in a real relationship. Someone that can show me something different and what's really out there. Knows or has an idea what does he see himself ten years from now. Romantic and full of surprises. Teach me how to love unselfishly. Someone that can protect me at all cost and buys me things just because. Respect me from head to toe. Presentable to my family and friends. Appreciate the little things I do. Who will take the time fixing our problems. Balance his time for everybody. Who will be honest with me no matter what. By the way love is something you grow, and people need to realize the difference between being "in" love and loving someone for the long haul. It takes some work and the ability to compromise without compromising yourself. I also want someone who doesn't continually compare me to his mother, ex, sister or any other female. I want to be loved and valued for who I am.

Krislyn Pitero

Eng. 001A

October 09, 2007

 

America...Lame yet Fame

          

  Once upon a time in America, horrible things happened. Bomb threats, 9/11, and a lot

more. I am thinking of Peace in our World, but how will that happened if every human has their

own beliefs. “What we’re fighting For” Dinesh D’Sousa discusses America’s superiority to

Islamic Civilization as the “the greatest, freest, and most decent society in existence”. In the

other hand, “The Oblivious Empire” Mark Hertsgaard contends that America’s many

interventions abroad have caused many people in the worlds to resent America. These two has

their own way of impressing their feelings throughout the differences of every country especially

AMERICA. I have tons of questions in my mind. What is the reality behind this American

government spreading democracy? Is Iraq war really worth it? My realization was that I have

reached an impasse. The two authors have their own perspective. D’ Sousa sight that America is

in the top of every country which we have to imitate whatever Americans do, while Hertsgaard

said that Americans are ignorant, arrogant and a bully.

            I agree to Hertsgaard’s criticism towards America on its foreign policies. “ America,

foreigners say, is trigger-happy bully that is both out for itself and full of itself. It feels no

obligation to obey international law; it often pushes other countries around, forcing on them

policies and sometimes tyrannical leaders that serve only American interests, and then if they

resist too much, it may bomb obedience into them with cruise missiles”(784-785). Like what

happened to Iraq. Things came up that United States invaded Iraq because of Saddam Hussein,

Iraq’s dictator, “believed” to have weapons of mass destruction. But, when U.S did not find any

weapons of destruction, the power of the media made its American people believed that Saddam

Hussein is an “evil man”. That he needed to go out of this world and should be kicked out of its

current position and striking democratic government in Iraq. And how did U.S invade Iraq? By

bombing and sending troops to Iraq. This selfish act showed the rest of the world that America is

the most powerful nation in the world thus making us a “bully”.

            “According to Herstgaard, terrorism means killing of innocent civilians to advance

political or military agenda. When the Irish republican army dropped bombs inside London

subways station in the 1990’s was terrorism. Saddam Hussein’s use of poison gas against the

Kurds in Iraq in 1998 and the Palestinians suicide bombings in Israel in early 2002 were also

terrorism. But when the U.S dropped “smart bombs” in Baghdad in 1991 and destroyed

Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II (791), was considered terrorism in every Americans.

Looking for someone’s fault seems u