Sunday, March 22, 2009

Complications: Part I

A stunning insight to a medical surgeon's profession. This book has provided insight into the world of medicine that wasn't previously understood by people not in a medical field. It has been interesting to read a surgeon's opinion on many of the ups and downs of being a doctor. The field of medicine seems to be evermore tricky when viewed in such a way. Atul Gawande has made many complex, and otherwise confusing procedures, simplified and understandable. He has exposed in his novel, the dark and light side of practicing medicine. His style of writing is very captivating. Each story of trauma patients, or simple surgeries gone wrong, hold you until the very end. His narrative voice keeps you guessing the outcome. Not a typical writing style you might expect from an expert surgeon. I have learned many of the complications that come from being in such a sensitive field. Not only in the OR itself, but in all aspects. From schooling and universities, to malpractice suits, to the complete unknown with certain cases. It is almost like watching the Fox network's "House". Any who ready this will find new appreciation for good doctor, and more precaution with others. I have already recommend this book to many I know, and recommend it to you as well. Though I have yet to finish it, I will continue to enjoy every page.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Grammar #9

When I first heard Nonrestrictive clauses i wasn't quiet sure what it was. After doing some research I found that is was a group of words, set off by commas, that provides extra or nonessential information and could be eliminated without changing the meaning of the noun or pronoun it modifies. Although it is esay to add them into the middle of your sentence, nonrestrictive clauses can be found at the end as well. If the sentcence is complete and you add on information that explains more but doesn't change the meaning, then the extra information is the nonrestrictive clause. For example: We all stood, anxious and prepared for what he was about to say.
If you took out what is in the commas in these sentences the meaning would still be the same.
My brother, Taylor, clean the bathroom.
Sally, who used to work for the president, can ride a horse.
Get more help at this website.

110 Degrees In The Shade


Under the bright stage lights the song ended, and another scene changed. Sitting in the comfortable seats in the back row gave us a bird's eye view of the stage. "110 Degrees in the shade" had begun. The story is set in the mid-western United States, in a small town of farmers and cattle herders. The main character Lizzie is trying to find love, even if she seems to deny it at times. Her interest for the local sheriff is anything but new. He, a divorced man in denial, convinces everyone that he is a widower. The towns game in the beginning is to set these two up. But their love games are only complicated as the character Starbuck enters. The small town is gripped in drought, and on the brink of death. Starbuck professes to be a rainmaker and convinces the town to pay him to make it rain. Being somewhat of an outlaw, Starbuck makes the situation escalate, adding more mayhem to the love triangle between the sheriff and Ms. Lizzie. A fun film for anyone in the family. All ages can enjoy such a well told classic love story.

A Night of Culture


Entering the semi-large auditorium we took our seats. The clamor of those already seated around us had a sense of excitement about it. A feeling of something unexpected, or at least not fully understood. Our night with David Lee was began. As his introduction finished, my opinion of him still unformulated. Being uncertain what this graying man was like, I watched patiently. Seemingly a hardened gentlemen, his first few moments were in silence. As he opened his mouth, I expected chilling words. What came out was, "boy am I nervous". Immediately I knew this night held more to it than what was on the surface.
Closing my eyes as he read, carried me away with his words. Imagining myself in his desert storm, let me picture the coming rainbows. Resembling the poetry of Robert Frost he captivated his audience, and left us expecting more. The treat of spending a night with a poet master was awe inspiring. All who left, felt a little more cultured and intellectual.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Grammer #8

Etc.

Commonly used in many forms of writing, although, commonly misspelled as well. To understand its spelling, it is best to understand its origin. The phrase etc. comes from the Latin words "et cetera" which means "and other things". So when saying this abbreviation in speech, you literally say "et cetera". I learned that this should never be preceded by "and", either in writing or speech, and that it is commonly misspelled as "ect." To help protect against misspelling just remember what the words mean, "et cetera".

Example: When you go camping it is good to be prepared with lots of supplies. Like a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, a first aid kit, etc.

Here's a website that helped me with its .

http://www.english-test.net/toeic/vocabulary/meanings/019/toeic-words.php

Art Gallery

The "Commandores of the Prairie Sea" by Kay Homan is captivating. Its attention to color makes you take a second. It has a unique contrast of colors, starting from the dark, earthy colors at the top, down to the bright, cutting shades, of the wild flowers at the bottom.
Set upon a hilltop of the golden plains in autumn, stand two bison, in shades of brown. surrounding them from above is a blackened, cloudy sky; an ominous sign of what is to come. Not alone, they are accompanied by brightly colored wildflowers, hidden in the golden plains. Visible only by their pink and red hues.
This majestic piece offers a sense of strength and certainty in an uncertain world. It would be a stunning display in any home.