Obscure genetics

I wonder what this Lion has in her sights…

True Story

Sometimes, I wonder if there is a Kraken amongst my group of friends. It would be hilarious to wonder if that person had a hand in anything the past 4 years XD

*Update* JESSICA

I’m just wondering if we have a ‘Lily’ in Merced XD can’t a guy wonder if anything that happens in a show happens in real life?!?!

We always do this every year. We think about how the year went or the successes, for example:

• the good grades and that one internship
• Maybe we finally talked to that person we’ve been itching to say hi to
• snagged that recommendation letter from our favorite professor.

We also think about the bad things:

• What happened to get me into this mess?
• How did I let myself run above 85 MPH? (Heh)
• Or the classic “If only I studied a little harder for that extra few points…”

The fact of the matter is, it is a never ending cycle. We believe we can do better next year; finally make the mark. This is true, but, there is something more…

I have always been someone who supports this notion of a new year, new beginnings. Much like the Japanese during the spring, we Americans take the new year as our chance to make our lives amazing, or at least try.

I came to this resolution: We do our best. When that isn’t enough, we do better. I don’t like how people spout this notion of “do our best, but, if that wasn’t enough here is a pat on the back”. Now, there is a difference between a need for extra effort and an attempt at futility. If it is a situation that requires the extra effort, to forgo going to the movies, to withstand the barrage of late night eating or videogames, don’t succumb. Give it your all, the extra 10%. There is no room for people who give up based on some mentality that they just can’t measure up. I believe we all have the potential to do great things; it is just a matter of how much we are willing to do them. I’m all for achieving the certain goal one sets for their own personal plans. If they aren’t the same as another, don’t worry; they are your milestones. However, I dislike it when one does not reach those goals personally set. (I am guilty of this fact)

So, I challenge whoever feels like making a new years resolution. Don’t make it just another year, hoping for a change in your life. Make those resolutions habit, make your goals and meet them. Don’t let a one time trip to the gym one trip. Don’t become one of those people who want to call it a day because your test is a week away. Don’t let one bad interview redirect your motivation or one bad moment define your day.

I think this quote by Conan O’Brien really serves to illustrate my point:

“Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.”

After losing his position as the host for the Tonight Show, he eventually landed in TBS. There, he is more creative and expressive then he ever was during the Tonight Show.

Our only limitation is ourselves. God grants opportunity. We just have to seize it. 

I just found out how much of an effect stress can have on a person. Now, obviously I knew stress is bad. I, however, didn’t understand the exact physiological aspects that govern the result of stress upon a person.

The more stress one experiences, there is an increased chance of a person experiencing health problems over time. How does that translate to our present society? Well, intelligence when examined in the wild correlates to the ability to maintain social structure. In essence, one must understand their place in the hierarchy of social structure. This information reveals how much one will undergo stress overtime.

Increased stress findings:

• increases the arterial aging process
• decreases the amount of dopamine signaling reward in the brain
• stunts growth, cellular repair, cognitive development
• increased fat retention and cholesterol
• bad fat is retained
• stress affects the fetus of a pregnant women
• decreases neural connections
• accelerates telomere shortening
• increased chance of bad decision making

Dealing with stress:

• Connecting with and helping others decreases stress
• Socioeconomic status determines stress-dealing capability

Physiological Results:

• increased chance of diabetes, heart disease
• impaired cognitive and physiological development
• increased vulnerability to becoming stressed

Random facts:

• Baboon study showed that the loss of “alpha males” and aggressive behavior changed aspects of that society
• Baboon troop thrived as a result
• The amount of control one has is intermittently related to socioeconomic status 

Decrease your stress. Study harder and more efficiently. You might just live longer as a result.

Star Trek reference…

“When your stressed, the body starts shutting down all non-essential systems” HAHAHAHAH

So, I’ve been in study mode Gidy for the longest time today. Non-stop I’ve been studying and learning everything there is to know about Evolution. I seriously took this class for granted. Its been a difficult ride learning all there is to know about modern synthesis and stuff. Honestly, I’m still studying without risk of burning out. This is where I shine, this is when I decide that school is important. Beast mode! >:]