August 28, 2009
Four For Friday
Q1 - Wikipedia: It appears Wikipedia's positioning as the Internet's encyclopedia may be in need of some editing of its own. Media reports quote a spokesperson for the Wikimedia Foundation, which manages the uber-site, as saying that the English-language version of Wikipedia.org will soon start experimenting with designated editors to check for errors, vandalism and opinions sneaking their way into entries involving public figures still living. Have you ever created or edited a Wikipedia entry?
Q2 - Hypnosis : Experts estimate over 10 million Americans suffer from disabling chronic pain, and there is considerable scientific evidence that practicing self-hypnosis under the guidance of a certified hypnosis professional can quickly help improve the quality of life for these people. According to Michael Ellner, an internationally prominent self-hypnosis educator and co-author of three books on self-empowerment, the recent spate of bad news about possible adverse effects of popular analgesics and concerns about abuse, overdose, and addiction to controlled pain killers are compelling reasons to consider effective complementary and alternative approaches like self-hypnosis. Have you ever been hypnotized? If not, would you consider hypnosis to treat chronic pain?
Q3 - Death of a Kennedy: Two prominent members of the Kennedy family passed away this month. Which do you feel had a greater impact on society... Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy (born February 22, 1932 - died August 25, 2009) -- a United States Senator and a member of the Democratic Party; or his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver (born July 10, 1921 - died August 11, 2009) -- founder of the Special Olympics and founder of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)?
Q4 - Era: If you could choose any era other than the one in which you currently live, what era would you live in? (Think ancient Rome, the middle ages, Gupta Empire, Ottoman Empire, industrial revolution, etc.)
Posted by Mikal at August 28, 2009 2:48 PM
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1) I've never posted one, but I'd love to sometime. The problem is, I'm a fairly classic jack of all trades and master of none. And as we all know, you have to be a bonified expert to publish on Wikipedia. Right? Right???
2) I have indeed been hypnotized. The infamous event occurred at a company party. I and two other co-employees fell under the spell for the entertainment and chagrin of all. I don't remember a ton, but what I do remember, I'm sure a LOT of people who know me would have loved to witness. See, I'm a guy who doesn't possess a whole lotta, shall we say, social restraint? Now imagine that the little restraint I have was completely obliterated. Yeah... we're talkin' cookoo for Cocoa Puffs, here. I'm a firm believer in the power of hypnosis--such a believer, in fact, that I'd only allow myself to be hypnotized again with extreme caution. It's dangerous to give someone you don't know and completely trust that kinda power over you.
3) That's a tough one, but I'm partial towards the Special Olympics, so I'll say Ms. Shriver.
4) That's yet another tough one, but I'd have to say the American Western Expansion of the mid-19th century. I've always been fascinated by Sooners, pioneers, gunslingers, explorers, and the whole lot. A close second would be the World War II era. I wouldn't necessarily like to participate in the vast majority of those horrific years, but I would love to see the Finest Generation in action.
1. I want to, but it keeps getting shoved to the bottom of my never ending to-do list.
2. If by hypnotized, you mean facilitated into a deep state of relaxation, yes. As for it being the end all cure to all that ails you, I say it's a bunch of hooey.
3. Yikes, that's a tough one. If I had to pick one I would say Teddy Kennedy because of the massive amount of legislation he wrote and helped passed that impact a cross section of Americans, including the disabled.
4. 1800's in the American West so I could have helped stop "progress" from decimating the extraordinary Native American culture.
Q1 - I have considered making edits to certain articles that I have read on Wikipedia, Those articles tend to be on technical topics like paint, catalysis, adhesives, fiberglass, etc. While I have not found anything flagrantly wrong, I have found them to be incomplete.
Q2 - I have not been hypnotized but I have found that when I relax and "go to my happy place" pain is more tolerable. I think that in many (most) cases human discomfort have multiple causes and the solution may require multiple approaches.
Q3 - My opinion is that Eunice made the most positive, lasting impact.
Q4 - Being a technology buff, I am pretty happy here and now. I might have enjoyed the industrialization of America a century ago. I would like to "drop in" again in another 50, 75, and 100 years from now to see the technology at that time.
Q1: Nope
Q2: I think the Scientologists are right on this one - no hypnosis. I would be concerned about placing my mind in such a suggestible state. I do believe, however, that mind can overcome matter, especially in terms of pain control. I think I would opt for meditation over hypnosis.
Q3: I really do not know enough about this to form an opinion.
Q4: I'd like to try being an Indian on the plains before the Europeans showed up.
Q1 - Wikipedia: I've helped create an entry and have edited a few here and there. Usually when correcting particularly horrible grammar, but I've also added information on the entry for "Super" Dell Schanze (local Utah "celebrity" and all-around crazy person) since I knew him personally for a time.
Q2 - Hypnosis : I'm a big believer in the power of the mind and body. I've never been hypnotized, but I would certainly consider it... but never by some sideshow performer. I like to think I can learn from others' mistakes.
Q3 - Death of a Kennedy: My initial thought is to say Ted, but it's a pretty tough call. I'm going to flip a coin and... stick with Ted.
Q4 - Era: I'm a slave to the comforts modern technology has provided us, and I'm furthermore completely fascinated with the cosmos. I would like to live in whatever they eventually call the era 2,000 years from now.
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