AspiringAlienist's recent activity
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Comment on South Korea health alert raised to ‘severe’ over doctors walkout in ~health
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Comment on South Korea health alert raised to ‘severe’ over doctors walkout in ~health
AspiringAlienist LinkGood that they stand up for themselves. The government chooses to increase the risk for the patients by acting in this way. Increasing working hours in an already unhealthy work-life balance is...Good that they stand up for themselves. The government chooses to increase the risk for the patients by acting in this way. Increasing working hours in an already unhealthy work-life balance is insane.
There’s ample evidence that working with sleep deprivation leads to more risks. It’s just malpractice waiting to happen.
Increasing the student influx now, will not help the current situation of scarcity, which also poses the problem: Who will train these extra people? The overworked junior doctors? And if it effects anything, it will be 4-8 years in the future.These are the results of political choices: Do you want a socialist health care in which doctors are motivated to work in public hospitals with healthy working hours, normal compensation. Or do you keep going with a winner takes all system, which incentivizes private practice, places an inhumane amount of workload on the junior doctor workforce, and in which health care is seen as a product.
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Comment on Recommendations for medical history in ~humanities.history
AspiringAlienist LinkShrinks: The Untold Story of Psychiatry by Jeffrey A. Lieberman with Ogi Ogas (4.1/5 on goodreads). It gives an easy to read history of psychiatry in the United States, by a former president of...Shrinks: The Untold Story of Psychiatry by Jeffrey A. Lieberman with Ogi Ogas (4.1/5 on goodreads). It gives an easy to read history of psychiatry in the United States, by a former president of the APA. There’s also some form of critique on the DSM V, if that’s of interest.
Not a book, but the podcast Bedside Rounds has some great medical history stories. For example this episode is on vaccines during the small pox epidemic: https://pca.st/episode/3964f32e-09d5-4577-aa11-58091a74648d
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Comment on Advertisers want to place ads next to content that is 'Brand Safe'. The end of Jezebel is a case study of how that impacts hard hitting news sites in ~tech
AspiringAlienist Link ParentThe power of ad based content probably is the societal breakdown. Find me one teenager that isn’t glued to twitch streams, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram etc etc in their free time. Funding the...I don't know how we break through that except through other societal breakdowns first.
The power of ad based content probably is the societal breakdown. Find me one teenager that isn’t glued to twitch streams, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram etc etc in their free time. Funding the system, while also suffering the losses of independent information.
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Comment on Advertisers want to place ads next to content that is 'Brand Safe'. The end of Jezebel is a case study of how that impacts hard hitting news sites in ~tech
AspiringAlienist LinkI don’t think Jezebel is a good example. However, the analysis that advertisers and marketeers have a disproportionately large power in media is worrying and also fitting/supporting 404media’s -...I don’t think Jezebel is a good example. However, the analysis that advertisers and marketeers have a disproportionately large power in media is worrying and also fitting/supporting 404media’s - and other independent platforms - own standpoint.
I am not really knowledgeable on this subject (I binged Succession and watched the pilot of Madmen), but I feel like that while advertising’s power has been around for a long time, since the inception of online-only (social) media outlets, a lot of ‘content creators’ are almost solely dependent on advertising income. From the standpoint of advertisers it only makes sense; just do what gets the most money. The switch to becoming independent by finding ways to secure other cash flow sources seems the logical one to try and break free from this broken system, see for example 404 media.
The second part seems to focus on actors that game the system. It seems that advertisers don’t lose enough money (maybe because brands still pay the advertising companies regardless?) that they change their practices, which is extra worrying; potentially legitimate sites are dropped in favor of ad optimized fake blogs? Seems to be bad for everyone involved (except the intermediary ad companies of course).
An tangential afterthought: It’s not hard to grab attention with extremes, but it’s also common sense that it will scare advertisers. The better part of the time on the internet is spent watching pornography or lewd images, but mainstream advertising companies wouldn’t touch that market. I presume that brazzers and the likes still exist because some people are paying for the content with cash instead of only attention.
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Comment on The myth and reality of Mac OS X Snow Leopard in ~tech
AspiringAlienist LinkI might’ve missed it in the bullet points, but wasn’t the Mac App Store a game changer during this time period? Wikipedia states that Snow Leopard was the first Mac OS version that supported it....I might’ve missed it in the bullet points, but wasn’t the Mac App Store a game changer during this time period? Wikipedia states that Snow Leopard was the first Mac OS version that supported it. It changed the way the OS was distributed (made for some very annoying upgrade problems when I didn’t upgrade to Lion, and the download disappeared from the App Store).
To me it felt like Apple getting ready to draw OS X further into the walled garden that they were creating with iOS. The time period of Snow Leopard could very well be the tipping point in this regard.
While I only used Leopard on a hackintosh machine, it signified a great improvement in design and performance for me, if I looked at earlier versions of the OS or the Windows OS releases of that time. Snow Leopard was for some probably an improvement (Mac App Store, starting to turn into the Apple ecosystem we know today), for others the last ‘good’ OS X version (that followed the Leopard style, and was less handholding and controlling than later versions).
So even if Apple changed release strategy, the walled garden won’t magically open up again.
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Comment on Loved, yet lonely - You might have the unconditional love of family and friends and yet feel deep loneliness. Can philosophy explain why? in ~health.mental
AspiringAlienist LinkI feel like the psychoanalytic theories of Lacan are missing as a way to understand loneliness. In which the fulfillment of desire - trough the object of desire, in this case ‘somebody who...- Exemplary
In cases like this, the only way to recognise your unmet needs or desires is to notice that your loneliness has started to lift once those needs and desires begin to be met by another.
I feel like the psychoanalytic theories of Lacan are missing as a way to understand loneliness. In which the fulfillment of desire - trough the object of desire, in this case ‘somebody who alleviates loneliness’ -, doesn’t change the incompleteness every subject feels. You could write a whole new article on these ideas I’d bet.
To stay within (French) philosophical themes, I’d suggest to flip the script with regard to looking at loneliness. Firstly, the article is very much focused on the loneliness the author experiences (or rather alienation of their original peer group), and what their needs and desires are, and how Others should or could meet them to alleviate loneliness. It’s written down a bit more nuanced by the author, but this seems to be one of the messages I could distill.
I mentioned flipping the script, because instead of putting the individual subject first, French philosopher Levinas puts an important focus on the Other. I see possible ‘solutions’ for loneliness in his ideas.
While a bit difficult to explain - and understand -, Levinas thought that nothing makes sense, if not in relation to the Other (or object, or someone other than subject/I). He even sees a moral obligation to answer to the need of the Other, whenever the subject looks at the defenseless face of the Other. Levinas calls the Other infinite, that there is a divine quality to the Other.
For me, the above simply means that interactions (that happen face to face), carry a spiritual meaning of some sort. Not in the religious or supernatural sense. Because besides our own interaction with Others, is there anything higher or more precious to achieve in this world? It means to me that saying ‘hi’ to a stranger is answering to a need of the Other. It means that providing care is answering to needs of the Other. It means doing no harm is answering to needs of the Other. It means in a split moment forgetting to be (a subject), but living through the Other.
Surely, it’s not something I am aware of everyday, but this article reminded me of what makes me feel lonely. It makes me feel lonely to only do things for me, to only perceive my own subjective reality. To hope that Others fill my needs.
I don’t propose living purely prosocially or altruisticly, but I hope to shake up some thinking. Because honestly, do we as humans thrive by all focussing on ourselves and hoping that we as an individual will thrive, or are we not born as defenseless creatures that needs care from Others to thrive?
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Comment on How to use the YouTube website? in ~tech
AspiringAlienist LinkFor iOS (and probably for MacOS, but I don’t use it), Orion browser automatically blocks YT ads for me.For iOS (and probably for MacOS, but I don’t use it), Orion browser automatically blocks YT ads for me.
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Comment on Intro to Carl Jung and Jungian Psychoanalytics in ~humanities
AspiringAlienist (edited )Link ParentAh, I see you state this in the OP as well; jargon being a way to be more precise. In my own experience, the incorrect use of jargon could lead to obfuscation and confusion. If this is the goal in...Ah, I see you state this in the OP as well; jargon being a way to be more precise. In my own experience, the
incompetent (edited)incorrect use of jargon could lead to obfuscation and confusion. If this is the goal in some contexts? Could be.Another point that stands out to me is the notion that philosophy aims on clarity and precision, which I feel assumes the analytical tradition instead of continental. Not sure if this is intentional, anyway just an observation.
Thirdly, maybe something else to think about. In psychoanalytical theories, generally thinking can be divided in conscious, rational thinking and subconscious, associative/fantasy/magical/fairy tale like thinking. Something like system 1 and 2 from Kahneman (thinking fast, thinking slow), but not quite. It’s quite ubiquitous in art; read a poem, listen a song, watch a movie. Watch what you hear; did you see it? What was said, what was withheld, how do you feel, did you want to desire this feeling?
I get carried away, this is less and less about Jung. It’s good to shake thinking up once in a while “like a dog getting out of the water, shaking water drops off.”
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Comment on Intro to Carl Jung and Jungian Psychoanalytics in ~humanities
AspiringAlienist (edited )LinkHave you checked out the MemeAnalysis YouTube channel? The content obfuscates the message in another way, but the content creator seems to have an understanding of themes out of Jungian and...Have you checked out the MemeAnalysis YouTube channel? The content obfuscates the message in another way, but the content creator seems to have an understanding of themes out of Jungian and esoteric works. It’s either way an entertaining way to get in touch with some of the ideas, albeit unstructured for your goal.
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Comment on Intro to Carl Jung and Jungian Psychoanalytics in ~humanities
AspiringAlienist Link ParentThis seems like a key point for OP’s questions. That to ‘get’ Jung (if that means anything), the way you describe is the only (useful) way to get to that point. It kind of prohibited me from...The obfuscation of ideas putting the onus of work on the student to intuit meaning is an integral component which stems from esoteric traditions such as Gnosticism.
This seems like a key point for OP’s questions. That to ‘get’ Jung (if that means anything), the way you describe is the only (useful) way to get to that point. It kind of prohibited me from really commit to looking further into Jung, as the practical application in clinical work is limited, however these starting points might peak my interest once more.. thanks!
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Comment on Chiropractic isn’t what you think it is in ~health
AspiringAlienist LinkGreat overview. Sadly it’s often not (medical) professionals deciding what gets reimbursed or not. Also it is really really hard to argue with laypeople (see TikTok example in the video), when...Great overview. Sadly it’s often not (medical) professionals deciding what gets reimbursed or not. Also it is really really hard to argue with laypeople (see TikTok example in the video), when they feel some type of ‘treatment’ works for them. Because there’s no hard evidence (like there could be in hard sciences) for so many things in medicine, it’s difficult to really prove what should be reimbursed and what shouldn’t; leaving the door open for chiropractors or homeopaths etc. Even harder: If the patient/consumer pays out of pocket anyway. It’s a free market no?
Post COVID I feel the hostility towards the medical world has grown, which probably gives even more room for quacks to step in.
Its partly policy that it works likes this. Stop letting chiropractors practice could be a solution for example. It’s all fine and dandy when you crack a few joints and waste some money, but there are real dangers associated with chiropractic movements, e.g.: NY Times archive link
To Dr. Grunch, who treats one or two patients with the injury every year, the connection is clear: “Arterial dissection is a known complication of spinal manipulation.” So even though the risk is rare, Dr. Grunch strongly advises against having your neck manipulated by a chiropractor.
In my opinion, complications are a risk of medicine, which we balance out by assessing the chance that a treatment will be effective. However, if the chances of effective treatment are zero, the risk of complications become unacceptable.
Part of the problem is the referral from medical doctors to chiropractors instead of physical therapists, mentioned in The NY Times article. In my locale this would not be accepted guideline practice, - and the chiropractic lobby is probably less strong, but that’s speculation.
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Comment on Europe’s coming reckoning on immigration – large-scale immigration is the only thing that can prevent Europe from becoming an empty amusement park in ~misc
AspiringAlienist Link ParentI’m not entirely sure if I agree with cynical, however I will take the comparison to a socialist roleplaying as a cynical ranting conservative as a compliment. I do think we might agree quite a...I’m not entirely sure if I agree with cynical, however I will take the comparison to a socialist roleplaying as a cynical ranting conservative as a compliment. I do think we might agree quite a bit, but we’ll see as I try to clarify my ranting. I failed to be concise and to the point though.
The feelings I try to - evidently not so clearly - display, is the following.
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I find it a bit dishonest of the author to criticize a continent (Europe) on base of an outlier (Italy), which not coincidentally borders a continent (Africa) the author has studied intensively. I do the same on some other hot issue (guns and USA), which is to underline the unfairness of the authors stance, legitimate or not.
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With regard to clarifying the quoted bits. They are two sides of the same coin, there is not really a concrete point or argument to be found, rather loose associations. I shall try to elaborate.
2.a.
I'm sorry I couldn't really see the application of this remark; would you mind explaining?
So I try to amplify one aspect of the authors column, but I kind of missed the point, reading it back.
So one the one hand the author mentions the so called ‘refugee crisis’ with all its humanitarian obscenities.
On the other hand he mentions immigrants who not only do ‘menial work’, but go study and bring knowledge, I made the jump to expats; which makes it a whole other debate in my opinion. Because no question, those are people who are in high demand because of the mentioned reasons.
On his third hand he calls upon the demographic data; the graying of the population, the low birth rate. Suggesting a need for immigration (I don’t disagree).
He finishes up with some suggestion of racism and a false dichotomy:
They can cling to a bygone, dusty view of Europe as a place proper to white people, even as it continues to hollow out. Or they can recenter Africa in their worldview […]
While maybe the best solution - he studied for it - there may be other options. He proposes that we need A (compensate the low birth rate, to continue our lifestyle), for this we need to do B (accept refugees), and C (we need high in demand economic migrants) is the reason why we do B.
Concluding my reaction; it’s an over exaggeration and nitpicking, not necessary for making a point.
2.b.
I really don't understand what you mean by this, would you mind elaborating?
Well watch what you hear. So we can both read the article and think things. You distill a hopeful message from the article, I think I read the same words, but somehow I don’t feel that the author wants to instill hope on me. It’s a warning that has been repeated many times. Rather, you could question ‘who is reading this’? I mean, who is the demographic of ‘Foreign Policy’? Are they pro or contra globalist solutions? Are they prone to agreeing or disagreeing with the author? Is it useful to write a slightly polarizing article that is propagating an opinion that the readers probably agree with and dunking on another continent? Other than generating clicks and attention for his book, I’m not really seeing the point.
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Comment on Europe’s coming reckoning on immigration – large-scale immigration is the only thing that can prevent Europe from becoming an empty amusement park in ~misc
AspiringAlienist Link ParentI'm not entirely sure if you’re referring to the broad conclusions of the article - in which case I agree, or to the conclusions drawn by me - to which I plead guilty. I think smart immigration is...I'm not entirely sure if you’re referring to the broad conclusions of the article - in which case I agree, or to the conclusions drawn by me - to which I plead guilty.
I think smart immigration is an elegant framing, which could sadly be used both ways (pro or contra immigration). As if we’re not all humans looking for a better/friendlier spot on this earth.
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Comment on Europe’s coming reckoning on immigration – large-scale immigration is the only thing that can prevent Europe from becoming an empty amusement park in ~misc
AspiringAlienist LinkA lot of words to convince readers of ‘Foreign Policy’ that immigrants are good mmkay? Hmm, well that is if they survive the next bowling alley shooting. ‘Hey not all Americans are gun loving...A lot of words to convince readers of ‘Foreign Policy’ that immigrants are good mmkay?
As fertility rates fall and the society ages, the United States, like Europe, will be forced to accept that large-scale immigration is key to paying for the old of today and to future prosperity.
Hmm, well that is if they survive the next bowling alley shooting.
‘Hey not all Americans are gun loving rednecks’ you yell. ‘Well, Italians are like, the small boot of Europe you know.’ As far as I know, industry and academia are loving them some expats, it doesn’t matter if they’re from Africa or Asia, they will be either subsidized, or bring money to spent in the European country, or will bring a great work ethic to the labor force. ‘I choose D, for all of the above.’
So the piece is telling me something, I either already believe (a leftist liberal almond milk enjoyer), or I’d never ever will come near (a right wing Fox News connoisseur).
Truth is, it is about the ‘refugee crisis’, but is being rebranded as non-European expats desperately trying to get an in at EY. They just forgot more convenient ways of travel.
[…] Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upbraided Germany for funding humanitarian work aimed at rescuing migrants attempting to enter Europe by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.
It is neither, but what does ‘Foreign Policy’ care? It’s another hot ad click, ahem, journalistic contribution for readers that already know who they will vote for. They feel even beter, knowing that they don’t have live in that medieval ‘country called Europe’.
Spoiler alert (if you want the message clearer than clear): The West should indeed get ready for the reversal of the baby boom, in which you either will grow old without anyone to care for you, or you will grow accustomed to refugees/foreigners/expats helping you get into the bath.
I truly don’t get what the author tries to add, except trying to show us that he wrote a book about this issue.
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Comment on Why the “privacy” wars rage on in ~humanities.history
AspiringAlienist LinkI found it kind of a boring read, probably interesting for those interested in the history of the privacy concept in juridical matters. The ending paragraphs do mention something that resembles a...I found it kind of a boring read, probably interesting for those interested in the history of the privacy concept in juridical matters.
The ending paragraphs do mention something that resembles a position of the author. Namely, privacy is the barrier between state and individual, which more or less protects the autonomy and - in extension of - the freedom of said individual. Which is kind of on point, if we accept the paper reality of the law as an essentialist reality - which it isn’t.
While the article makes sense of the social constructs through which rights are claimed for individuals, in the form of privacy, it seems to omit - or in my boredom I skipped over it - the exceptions of this agreement for those with real power. As opposed to the aforementioned paper reality.
Is it not that if the state always can skip these rights, the second they determined that you are a threat? All this wishy-washy academic term throwing is moot if you consider the patriot act.
Contra: As a law abiding citizen, you should not need to worry about being marked a terrorist etc etc.
Pro: Who decides the marking of potential terrorist activities? The same state that has to protect your privacy.In an ideal world these are ramblings of a paranoid conspiracy theorist. In the real world you better decide for yourself what privacy really means and how to achieve it, instead of waiting for big brother to construct the NSA-approved variant of privacy for you. With or without theoretical framework regarding the concept.
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Comment on Are colonoscopies worth it? in ~health
AspiringAlienist LinkThey don’t consider the enjoyment both parties derive from the act. All kidding aside, it’s interesting to me that the US populace prefers a feeling of security over getting a scope stuck in your...They don’t consider the enjoyment both parties derive from the act. All kidding aside, it’s interesting to me that the US populace prefers a feeling of security over getting a scope stuck in your pooper. I guess the fecal blood test isn’t really speaking to y’alls imagination: ‘A doctor is going to look at my poop with a microscope? And then decides if they want to investigate further? Just look with your damn eyes at my entire colon, to see if there’s cancer!’ Secondly, a fecal blood test is probably cheaper and a medical microbiologist or clinical chemist is the one that benefits from ordering the test. A colonoscopy is an diagnostic intervention, only to be done by medical professionals with specific expertise, i.e. gastroenterologists. Gastroenterologists would definitely not enjoy the cut in reimbursements for less colonoscopies. And the patients are probably distrusting other tests than what they’ve come to accept as the only way to do adequate screening. And so it goes.
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Comment on When foster parents don’t want to give back the baby in ~life
AspiringAlienist LinkVery tough read, it makes me feel sick to my stomach to think about the pain inflicted on all parties involved. It’s sickening and maddening. It’s narcissists running the world. Sure, some people...Very tough read, it makes me feel sick to my stomach to think about the pain inflicted on all parties involved.
[…] another clinical psychologist who evaluated him for the county, told me, “There was almost a need for Carter to not be O.K.”
It’s sickening and maddening. It’s narcissists running the world. Sure, some people shouldn’t have children, but this is just capitalism running rampant on a broken system (or that was the plan all along, said the paranoid socialist).
It reinforces child protection services’ bad name. It misuses the medicolegal system for financial gains. There are only losers in this game, set up by the system.
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Comment on How often do you 100% games/in what circumstances would you try to? in ~games
AspiringAlienist Link ParentI have the same type of experience. Bloodborne is my only platinum, and until I got it, I kept coming back to it. Probably will not replay it anytime soon, but thinking about the immersive...I have the same type of experience. Bloodborne is my only platinum, and until I got it, I kept coming back to it. Probably will not replay it anytime soon, but thinking about the immersive experience.. a hunter must hunt.
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Comment on How do you get emotional and/or mental comfort from others? in ~health.mental
AspiringAlienist LinkNot to do armchair psychology though, - or maybe just a lil bit - but it is quite an interesting dynamic this thread showcased: OP asked: But prefaced it with: Oh and lest we not forget: It is...Not to do armchair psychology though, - or maybe just a lil bit - but it is quite an interesting dynamic this thread showcased:
OP asked:
how do you get emotional or mental comfort from others?
But prefaced it with:
[…] and while I am thankful for their support, I never feel comforted. I know what doesn’t work but I cannot provide them with what I want or need because I don’t know what I want or need to feel comforted.
Oh and lest we not forget:
I am realizing as I age […]
It is relevant, because as I freely associate I fantasize about this aging fellow (him or her or X), who has been through things. Who, through the years, is not able to vulnerable and thus cannot be comforted. He/she/x has a painful look, but trying to reach down to the core, all but walls can be seen by the outsider. A feeling of empathy arises. Or is it sympathy?
Instead of entertaining the question, subject I wants to provide tips for object OP. In the helping of others, the subject wants to fill a desire that is evoked by the object. To be useful, to be a savior maybe?
Or maybe it is easier to not be vulnerable. To be the one that has the walls high. To not be able to be comforted. Because that’s too vulnerable. We/you/I rather be the ones that comfort others, than be the ones that long to be comforted. Probably.Dear OP, thank you for this post. As itself and its reactions show us maybe something about the human condition. Or I read to much into it and this reply shows primarily something about me. Probably.
Well, I don’t really know the state of South Korean health care, but probably a safe bet that they don’t really regulate which patients may ask for evaluation at the ED, resulting in a lot of time and energy spent triaging. Some care could be better delivered by a family medicine doctor instead of in a hospital.
A better work-life balance to keep doctors in the work force longer should be a given. If you squeeze the last bit of life out of freshly graduated doctors, their replacements - even if in larger numbers - will not necessarily last longer, no? It will not fix the problem, but ignoring this factor will exacerbate the problem sooner than later.
In my own locale, I don’t see strikes (yet), but I feel like the willingness to put up with inhumane working conditions grows less and less each generation, making it increasingly difficult to fill positions in hospitals, which in turn results in better working agreements in some situations - but not all.