How Did You Get My Number?

Since its invention in 1876, the telephone has become extremely popular. Nowadays, the phones that people use are so well-equipped for other tasks that the actual phone feature is sometimes neglected. Nevertheless, the phone is still used for conversing with someone at a distance by practically everyone. We all have numbers of friends and family with whom we keep contact.

All of this is well-known. The concept of a phone number is universal. We all have the phone numbers of our friends and relatives, and they also have our numbers. This is normal and creates no problem. However, many people don't realize that there is an unwritten rule that goes along with the possession of another's phone number. The rule is simple: share it with extreme caution.

There are many situations in which a number can be safely given to someone else. There are often groups of mutual friends, and common sense can usually dictate when it is acceptable to give out someone's number. A common example would be a lost or broken phone. A person that already had the phone number, but can not retrieve it due to a lost or broken phone, would certainly not be a threat. In many cases of this sort, it is already known that the two people are friends and that they've always had each others' number.

But then there is another situation. This is where a person that is not considered a friend requests a phone number. In some cases, it is well-known that the person making the request is not liked by the other individual. But this doesn't matter. Despite the fact that any reasoning or logic would prevent the number from being divulged, a great many in this world will occasionally receive an unwelcome phone call. For some type of reasoning that is beyond my comprehension, there will always be people willing to share your phone number with anyone that asks.

Perhaps these people are very passive and wish to please everyone. Unfortunately, this desire cannot be fulfilled by such means. For pleasing the requester in this case will most certainly displease the recipient of the phone call. I will admit, it is an uncomfortable position. The request of a phone number seems simple enough and it is probably hard to say no. But there are ways around it. If the simple "I don't feel comfortable giving someone else's number away" doesn't sound appealing, there are always ways of placing the blame on the would-be recipient. One way is to say "_____ specifically told me to never give out (his or her) number to anyone." The other method is to say, "I'll give _____ a call right now and tell (him or her) to call you." This way the person can decide. He or she can either make the call (perhaps with the option of blocking the number) or not.

To reiterate, there are instances in which it is okay to give away someone's number. In fact, it is probably okay most of the time. The situation is usually clear cut enough to see that there are no issues. But once the situation is no longer clear, then caution should be used. When the relationship between the two individuals is vague, it is best to avoid giving away the phone number.

In conclusion, people have to learn to stop catering to these phone number requests. I have received unwanted phone calls far too many times. I'm sure many others could say the same. So if you are one of these people that don't think twice before giving away a number, please stop! I'm sick and tired of receiving calls from people I try to avoid!

On The Flu Shot

Viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae have been around for quite some time. Prior to medical advancements, influenza was a serious disease. Nowadays, the majority of those that come down with the flu merely get sick for about a week or two. In a world of seven billion people, about 100,000 die from the flu each year. This may sound like a large number, but it is really only one out of 70,000. That is a percentage of approximately .00143% (a very small number by any standards.)

Yet each year around this time, everyone is told that the flu is coming and we all need to get vaccinated. This is a load of crap! If you are not in poor health, you need not fear the flu. We cannot live our lives in fear of something that poses no threat. I am not living in the 1800's and I'm not living in a third world country. If I get sick, I'll recover.

Some people may look back to the influenza pandemic of 1918. It is true that many have died from the virus back then. But look at the time period. It may seem like it was not long ago, but consider what we have today that we did not have back then. Back in 1918, we did not have:

-Antibiotics
-Respirators
-Pacemakers
-Dialysis
-MRI
-Contact lenses
-CPR
-Organ transplants

Furthermore, tobacco was not considered unhealthy and we had no clue about the structure of DNA. Of course, many of these things cannot be directly correlated with the various influenza viral strains. But nevertheless, the list does show that we have come a long way since then. Go back in time early enough and the common cold was a threat. We still have no cure for the cold, but that doesn't classify it as a major threat. My main point is this-- advancements in medicine and general living conditions can convert things that were once threats to mild annoyances.

Yet there are now commercials and posters everywhere advising all people to get a flu shot. Why is everyone now advised? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have decided this year that everyone needs a flu shot. They deferred to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for this decision. And how did they arrive at this decision? Scientific evidence that changes our opinion of the flu? A large increase in the number of people that get the flu? Not at all. They decided by voting! That's right, they voted on it! Basically, the question was asked "How many people here believe that everyone should get the flu shot?" When more than half of the ACIP agreed, they decided to push the flu shot on everyone. How can you argue with such a sound scientific method?

In closing, I would just like it to be known that the flu shot is unnecessary. It actually makes people sick. This is logic that I cannot follow. Let me get a shot that makes me sick, that way I don't have to worry about getting sick. Well, if this argument makes sense to you, then chances are you are already sick...in the head! So back off with your flu shot propaganda! I don't want it, nor do I need it. Stop telling me that I should get one. It is never going to happen. So kindly take all of your flu vaccines and shove them up your ass! I'll have none of it.

On Predictions

There are many scenarios in which statements are made about the future. In some cases, predictions may actually be valid. Certain polls have accurately predicted election results. Meteorologists may accurately predict the weather. And any valid scientific theory makes testable predictions. It is not these valid predictions with which I take issue. Those visions that claim to be inspired by some supernatural forces are another story entirely.

Looking back through recorded history, there have always been those that claim to be prophets. They may use other names for themselves, but whether they wish to be called soothsayers, fortune tellers, or psychics, they are really all the same thing: bullshit artists. In truth, I don't actually have a bone to pick with these people (with the exception of those that actually believe in their so-called powers). My real issue lies with the stupidity of so many that believe in this hokum.

We have come a long way since the days when natural phenomena were still unexplained. Science has progressed to the point where we should no longer turn to psychics for answers. Yet we still have many that wish to believe in all sorts of made-up nonsense. Fortune telling, omens, water divining, and numerology are all fake. Not to mention the obscene amount of people that still believe in astrology.

The fact that people still believe in such things is bad enough, but the problem becomes worse. Television stations such as the History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic are supposed to educate others with documentaries on valid information. Yet all of these channels have had shows on the paranormal, and the documentaries take the stance that this stuff is for real. Shame on all of them!

One of the biggest topics on these shows seems to be Nostradamus. For those that don't know, Nostradamus was a moron that claimed to be a soothsayer. He wrote his predictions in cryptic four line poems that he called quatrains. He organized these into groups of one hundred and called those centuries. Out of the thousand approximate predictions, a handful of them can be applied to events that have happened. I believe anyone can make a thousand cryptic short poems and have a few things, kind of sort of, apply to events after they happen. His supporters claim that the prediction is crystal clear and that there can be no ambiguity. But if this were truly the case, why do none of his supporters ever know about the event until after if happens. If the event was really as detailed in the prediction as is claimed, one would know about it beforehand.

Many other people do not believe that they are psychic, but still believe that they have had a prophetic dream. This is where a dream predicts something that will take place in the near future. Such dreams are actually not at all shocking. They mostly seem to involve death. If one knows of a person that is dying, that person may dream of the death before it happens. This does not mean that the dream was in any way psychic once the person does pass. It is simply the sad, but obvious, outcome of the situation. No supernatural forces are needed for an explanation.

At the present time, there are many that are freaking out about the year 2012. There are supposedly a number of prophecies that show that the world will end in this year. Haven't we done this routine enough in our history to know by now that the world is not going to end with each apocalyptic prediction? The world will still be here in the year 2013. Trust me.

In conclusion, please stop being so feeble-minded. Psychics, prophecies, and other such things are all balderdash. Educational channels that perpetuate the belief in such nonsense should be ashamed. Not that this rant will change anyone's mind on the topic. For I too have a prediction. I predict that no matter how advanced our society may become in the future, the majority of people will always be morons.

On Subway Annoyances

In the past, I have written about poor subway etiquette. But there were many points that were overlooked in that previous rant, and it is high time that such things are brought to light. In large cities, public transportation has become one of the primary means of travel. Traveling by subway inevitably involves coming into contact with a large group of individuals. People being as rude, stupid and worthless as most of them are, there are bound to be a number of annoying individuals.

For starters, there are those that just purchased a new cell phone. In and of itself, purchasing a new cell phone creates no disturbance. However, many of these morons sit on the train and suddenly feel the need to try out every single ring tone that the new purchase contains. This asshole will sit there for the entire train ride playing his ring tones for the entire subway car to hear. No one else wants to hear them, and no one is impressed with his new toy.

A similar culprit is the person that plays extremely crappy music for the entire subway ride. Rather than splurging on a cheap pair of headphones, this idiot uses the speakers on his little hand-held device and subjects everyone to a monotonous and uncomplicated "song." These individuals seem to think that they are showing off somehow. The only thing that they are showing is that we can double their IQs and still not hit three digits.

When it comes to these noise infractions, there is still a third individual at fault. The no-talent guitar guy is no stranger to subway riders. This person will enter the car and start playing a single chord over and over while adding to the torture by incorporating a terrible singing voice. It is true that on rare occasion, the person is actually talented. But such individuals are few and far between. For the most part, the people anxiously await for the song to end. Then this person has the nerve to request money for disturbing everyone. Perhaps a better method would be to play for five or ten seconds, and then request money in order to remain silent.

And it is not only passengers that can be annoying. Every now and then, people have the honor of being on the train with the announcement-happy subway conductor. This conductor will just talk non-stop and try to throw out every slogan in the arsenal. Even on the more modern cars with the automated announcements, there are times when the conductor feels the need to just keep playing every announcement ever recorded. I'm sorry that the conductor is trying to overcome his boredom, but that is no excuse for annoying everyone else.

Finally, there seems to be an increased amount of body odor in the subways lately. Either my nose has become more sensitive, or more people are refusing to shower. Well here's a newsflash: you people stink! Go buy a bar of soap and take a friggin' shower. We are no longer living in the middle ages where people bath but once a year. Take a shower and use deodorant. My olfactory senses are sick of being assaulted on a daily basis.

In closing, if you fall into the category of one of the people above, please remedy the problem. You can either stop the annoying behaviour, or you can go kill yourself. Personally, I'd prefer if you chose the latter.