Wednesday, 4 May 2016

April, 2016

Dear all,

It's been an even crazier month than I ever thought possible! Life seemed busy before, but now even moreso.

Last month was my birthday, with a special surprise organised, which you can read about in March's edition.

The last month has been about making contact with services who have clients who might need counselling, including colleagues, health organisations, pet services and grief resources. I've had calls so the business is getting off the ground, my practice being recognised as something the community needed, particularly for those with low incomes. Getting such feedback has been encouraging, now knowing that what I'm passionate about does have its place in society, and will benefit many people who are hurting from loss. My energy goes into what matters -- the clients.

This month is a feast of articles, some that are going to make readers really think about what the world condones, supports and rejects as a whole, and how freedom of speech might be set to change.

Self-Compassion: The New Self-concept model
Self-compassion therapy is a recently popular area of psychology. It could be considered a new version of self-evaluating, bursting through the ideals that therapists have held about self-concept and self-worth. The discipline delves to go against the grain, looking at self-honesty and change, based on self-love, rather than criticism, analysis or "I'd be better if only. . . " It seeks to earn clients personal comfort via internal factors, rather than outside influences.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=208

Viewing A Pink Moon
At first inspection, Pink Moon feels like a typical drama piece where an attractive young girl is hiding a boy in her room. However, we soon find out that Ben, her boyfriend, lives two lives. What the viewer at first takes for granted is that the lifestyle being depicted is normal. Not in Pink Moon. The film aims to turn ideals of sexuality on their head, as their reality is where homosexual relationships are normal and heterosexuals, called Breeders, are not. It's a mind-altering world where all our typical beliefs of same-sex relationships are under question.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=200

Pro-Ana Unmasked
Not only did I want to look at the sites that encourage Pro-Ana and what possible tricks they are teaching that could help unmask the eating disorder, but also the new legal environment we live in. Last year, an American teenager was put up for murder charges for coaxing a man to kill himself. Could we see the same happen for websites that promote self-harming, such as anorexia maintenance websites?
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=210

Movie Review: Starving in Suburbia
Starving in Suburbia is a film about anorexia and the websites online that promote it. Hannah, 17, is caused to think about her weight, and her friend shows her a Pro-ana (pro-anorexia) site to show her how "crazy" she isn't. However, it seems to have an alternate affect. These websites (see Pro-Ana Unmasked) give tips and motivations to people -- so powerful their natural body functions are ignored and overwritten. Pro-ana sites number in the thousands and are often a mere Google search away.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=137

Dogs: Their Secret Lives
Mark Evans, vet and former chief of the RSPCA UK, fronts this series that aims to discover the lesser known facts of dogs' lives, and the little tricks they have in store for us. Using surveillance footage, new inventions and collaborating with dog experts, Evans focuses on cunning canines and the changes our society have instilled. Obesity, behaviour disorders, misconceptions about dog sociality, and their manipulations of humans.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=156

Adults Who Colour In
As children, colouring is an art encouraged for learning, aiding in memory skills (ie, remembering the diagram you are colouring), developing fine motor skills in the hands and as a fun activity. The act of colouring and its caused reflection and mindfulness will aid in reducing the stress hormones in the body -- cortisol and adrenaline. The discipline is first recognised in India with Mandalas, but westerner alternatives are not specific in shape or designed for meditation or trance, however, still invoke reflection, mindfulness, and peace.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=198

The Hunting Ground
Over the last year or two, a major movement has rapidly spread throughout America, being the Title IX activists. Rape in Universities is said to be ignored or swept under the rug, until two victims realised one of the primary human rights fell under Title IX, meaning pressure for universities to change their actions or lose funding. This movement and accompanying documentary follows the journey of two rape victims, who have fronted a modern-day revolution.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=190

Warm Bodies: Romance In Cold
Warm Bodies came out a few years ago, but is a movie that re-invents the romance genre. It is a parody of a well-known traditional love story set with new, unusual characters. The male counterpart, R, a brain-eating zombie, meets a human, Julie. Know the reference? However, this story then develops into an apocalyptic adventure when their relationship begins to cause change within both dead and living communities. The story brings on a new twist to the zombie era, without making them into fluffy bunnies too soon. Instead it creates the idea of multiple motivations among zombie "tribes" and questions the events if a zombie was not as mindless as we thought.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=167

I hope everyone is well and enjoying their month. Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

Until next time,
The Editor.



Monday, 21 March 2016

March 10, 2016 -- birthday celebrations

Dear all,

The idea of 35 was a scary concept to me, until I found the right way to celebrate it.

I know it's not an age found at the end of one's life, but 35 felt like it was a milestone that signified, well, all work and no play. It's easy to get into the mindset that a woman in her mid-30s -- and men -- are now meant to be wise, and prepare to pass it on to younger generations. You're on your way to 40 and your 20s are way behind you. Good thing? Depends on your perspective.

I was dreading it, until I found a way that made me look forward to my birthday. It had to be something special, awesome, and connect to my ideas. What would a music-loving, socially conscious, giving, website-creating individual such as myself like? Then I found it! I was researching a catch-up article on a band I simply adore, and found out they did house parties. Despite their fame worldwide and their talents that seems to know no bounds, the BordererS remain connected to social issues, work tirelessly to support good causes, show appreciation for their fans, and always give the best performance they can. It has been many years they have traveled the world, sharing their work, and I was writing to document their journey from humble beginnings when I met them when I was 14 years old.

At that time, the BordererS were assisting promoting music and creativity through schools and I was selected by my music teacher to attend the songwriting workshop they were holding. I remember being so unorganised for once, quickly scribbling lyrics to a song I had been working on because I'd forgotten the book I wrote my lyrics in. The lyrics had been practiced with its own roughly-created music I had written, but in their hands, it was a masterpiece. Their talent was picking up the lyrics we'd bought along, taking 30 seconds to discuss music style and key and then improvising a song from it. I was amazed at how quick they could construct something you could enjoy.

Over the years I've kept up to date with their work, so when I found out they were doing house parties / private parties, it intrigued me. What would it be like to see them in person again? I had to find out. I spoke to Jim and Alex, about the day of my birthday. They were very gracious. Concert via Skype was suggested by me, due to timing, as they had packing and travelling for their next gig when I asked to book. So the idea was born. They asked if I had any special requests such as songs, or special things they could do to make my day awesome. I said that I loved animals, and if they had pets, I'd love to see them.

So, March 9, I had the BordererS at my house, via Skype, and they were even better in private performance. Jim and Alex shared anecdotes about their journey as a world band, I could ask questions if something interested me, and I got to choose some of the songs they played. They are funny, adorable, inspirational and truly talented performers. I've always loved their music, so I might be biased, but often their music sounds better live than on CD. They are very conscious of world issues and very knowledgeable, so you're sure to walk away with a fascinating story you didn't know of previously. Food for the ears, soul, and brain!

I'm including some videos below of the experience. Alex and Jim were so sweet to buy me a cake with candles! Alex is sneaky! I thought she'd gone off-screen to get a drink, while Jim just made a joke about how he was going to become a solo act, trying to sing songs he wouldn't normally lead. I should have known they had a surprise! The sentiment was adorable, as was their putting up pink balloons, BordererS poster, and my name in a green tinsel "S."

Okay, so I might be a little biased, already loving their music, but ask yourself as you watch the video, is there someone in your life who would enjoy this surprise? Imagine if you invited them to your house for a coffee, having already arranged for the BordererS to call you on Skype to perform, your laptop suddenly ringing nearby. Your BordererS-loving friend or family member would be as awestruck as I was to speak to them and have them perform all my favourite songs from their long-running career. It's so awesome, I just had to share.

May all your days be filled with music!

The Editor.


CAKE TIME!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVN7KuEYahg

Raise Your Hands Up - Live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOGLfcabH6c

Saturday, 27 February 2016

ACAWS is born!

Dear readers,

     It's been a crazy week and I've been exhausted. So much to prepare and complete ready for the new launches that are occurring this month.

     The big news is the new phone service I'm launching. With my mission being assisting the community, I wanted to create a service that I felt would support an area that was lacking, which complemented my training and experience. The new phone service provides free counselling for pet owners and their families, who might be facing a terminally-ill, missing or deceased pet. We also cater to people who are victims of animal-related accidents or crimes, meaning we also service animal careworkers.

     Named ACAWS (Animal Caregiver Affective Wellness Services), the phone line will provide immediate counselling four hours a day, with the opportunity to book appointments at other times. We also offer call-backs for rural and interstate clients, who can supply a landline, or we offer Skype counselling. We're supplying these options as we want care to be free of charge -- completely free. So often in society people miss out on care they need because they can't afford it. Our mental health is on a continuum, meaning what we treat now will not implode later.

     All staff are recognised by the Australian Counselling Association, meaning quality controls and further career progression is required.

     ACAWS help treat pet owners and caregivers who need assistance in their trying times. Our goal is never to dismiss the pain, but to help clients in understanding their reactions, finding a new definition of life without their beloved furry/feathered/scaled companions, and build a solid coping skillset to aid in future disappointments. Grief often shapes how we handle all of life's dramas, so having a good coping plan always sets us up for more success in our lives, particularly our personal lives.

     For more information, please see www.acaws.info.

     So now you can see why I've been so busy over the last few months. I had extra training to finish up, as well as all the business trimmings such as business cards, brochures, phone services to arrange, and finalise my business goals and procedures. I've been a busy little bee!

     Wesaytheysay.com will continue to provide quality, original content. I've got articles written in advance. More busy-ness, but that's the way I love to be when I can manage it.

     All my best,

     The Editor.

February, 2016

Dear all,

     It's February and it's been hectic. We're on the verge of launching the two new sections, including a special program that is being run by myself. Over the past weeks I've been in meetings and preparation mode, ensuring content of the website is ready, all aspects of procedures and ethics have been addressed, and that processes are going to work as intended. I can't say anything just yet, but it's going to be an exciting time and should help many people. It's been a long time in planning and finally we will see fruition.

     Valentine's day came and went, I pray that everyone is well and enjoyed the day. Even if you're a single, remember love can come from oneself, and is often more special when it is. Too many of us rely on others to validate us, or make us feel loved, when your best friend is always a few inches deep -- if you give yourself the patience and understanding to accept who you are. If you are single during Valentine's Day, take the time to spoil yourself and reconnect to who you are. Go out to your favourite restaurant, take on a task that makes you feel good, or do something you've always intended to do, but never had the time. Attached readers, make sure you add a little self-love to your celebrations. You can love more than one person at a time, and your own self should be one of them!

     This month's articles are a good selection of subjects. I didn't want to steer myself into themed months for too long, so now the holidays are over, we can return to the normal randomness that is article selection.

Cobus Potgeiter: Churches and Duct Tape
Pieter Jacobus Potgieter AKA Cobus Potgieter, 29, is a musical prodigy with an interesting journey and career. He didn't start fame with a winning demo tape that landed in a producer's lap. His rise to success began with a church and lots of duct tape. He is now a drum teacher (via DVD), a sponsored musician with endorsements from many instrument makers, and has over 146 million views as of May, 2014.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=182

Second Life: Alternative You
Second life, a game of personalities, opened in 2003, and is well-known by many people, including the 16 million who own accounts to the game. It's a hang-out more popular than most social networking sites, and it's one of the few games that is bent by the creativity of the users. On The Grid, a 9 minute documentary was made to explain Second Life, but I soon found out that Second Life is more than it seems on the surface. These are not mere characters interacting -- not even evolving, but living as their controllers wish to. It blurs the lines between the imagination and the effect if make-believe was true. We delve into the Second Life world to see how the game enriches and troubles the lives of the users.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=146

Sexting in Suburbia
Dina Van Cleve (Jenn Proske) is a girl that has everything going for her, in her mother's eyes. Her grades are high, her sporting ability even higher, and she has a loving boyfriend and many friends. But when her mother finds her dead, she knows something in the puzzle's missing. What happened to her daughter bad enough for her to take her own life? It soon comes out, Dina was sexting with her boyfriend, and the evidence destroyed her life. The film is loosely based on the Jessica Logan case in 2008. Jessica, an 18-year-old student in Ohio, sent a nude photo to her boyfriend, which he passed onto girls at school after they broke up.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=138

Sexting's Legal Long-Term Effects: What Everyone Should Know
In recent surveys, it's estimated up to 40% of teens were posting or sending sexually suggested messages. A staggering 48% of boys admitted to receiving sexual images of girls that went to their schools. Kids Helpline Australia's website states that sexting is not limited to mobile phones, but also instant messengers like Skype and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, Tumblr and Snapchat. Adults also sext. Self magazine's research found that 92% of women had sent "sexy texts." Senders can be prosecuted for sending their images. Adults who send nude images of themselves to someone unasked can be held accountable under the Malicious Communications Act.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=139

Biological Explanations of Anxiety: The Trilogy
Society believes that anxiety is abnormal, when in fact, it's a normal biological process in the brain. Unless anxiety is stopping you from enjoying aspects of your life, or stopping you from undertaking certain tasks, then it is at a functional level. But what is the point of anxiety and what function does it serve us? Why does it exist?
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=081

Switched At Birth Culture
Imagine you are deaf, and you are arrested. How would that feel? There are lights in your face, so you cannot read their lips, your hands are cuffed behind your back, so you are unable to "speak". How would you or your mother communicate with the person who arrested you without an interpreter? Emmett found out. Switched at Birth is a new US series, which aims to give the "deaf perspective."
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=121

Free to Play: The E-Sports World
Cyber athletes or E-Sports players are becoming more recognised as celebrities, but what are E-sports and what do they entail? What is it that makes watching a video game so exciting and intriguing? We feature a documentary that explores the world of E-Sports and what it can afford young cyber athletes.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=145

Grief is the Worst Ninja
Grief is the Worst Ninja is a reactionary piece by a pet owner who experienced one of the dreaded moments by every pet owner -- when they find their animal deceased. This book is a documentation of her thoughts, feelings, and actions after the initial scene, as well as her lifestyle with Dorian and what it meant to lose him.
Link: http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=203

This month will close with big news, which will be put onto Facebook and the front page of wesaytheysay.com. Keep an eye out!

For another month, I wish you well and hope the new articles and content find you well.

My best,
The Editor.

Saturday, 30 January 2016

January, 2016

Dear all,

It's the new year and there's so much to look forward to. All my studies for the year are done and I'm now able to focus on the website and the new features and sections coming. Are they huge? Maybe, but they are going to wet your appetite to experience more in this broad world of ours, or find a new contribution on today's community.

January is all about new starts and new goals. Did you do your New Years resolutions? I did. Some of mine were continuation of last year's resolutions, but amazingly, I got a few tasks ticked off for last year. It's been a while since I've done that. The new year for me is going to be full of twists and turns, which I'm excited about while being nervous too. But they say nerves is normal and good luck. If we're not nervous, it means we don't care enough about whatever we might be facing.

I wanted the January edition to be all about new starts, so much of this month's issue is about new beginnings or improving how you've done things until this point. Quite a few articles about self-improvement, and the real potential you could find within.

Alarm Clocks: Help, Hinder or Need Upgrade?
I read this rant someone had that alarm clocks were ruining their life and it made me wonder, is it really true? Psychologically and biologically, are they disrupting our natural order? The answer is yes. Studies show that being awoken by the wrong type of alarm clock can cause drunk-like states of mind which could remain for two hours after waking. They also caused stress responses in the body which resulted in low mood and inertia. So what are the options? Introducing new ways to use your alarm more effectively, along with a few amazing inventions such as Bacon clock.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=180

Life Code: Book Review
Dr. Phil McGraw has written this book, which is coined the new rules for today's world. Has the world really changed? In his opinion, yes. We are more hungry for success, but so are others, and have created what McGraw calls BAITERS (Backstabbers, Abusers, Imposters, Takers, Exploiters and/or Reckless people). His book aims to arm people against them by understand them and the Evil 8 signs to identify them. He also includes their tricks, known as the Nefarious 15. The book has been seen as a book suitable for Chicken Little, over-catastrophising social ocassions and professional connections, but are we in a world where careful is a waste?
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=165

The Power of Demanding Reciprocation
This article was inspired by a situation I was involved in, where it made me ask the questions, "do we always hold people accountable enough? What is accountable enough?" I sought to discover the truth for myself and wanted to share my thoughts with others. There is no definitive answer of course, only methods of analysing what you consider your expectations of others, and what level of respect you demand from them. What do you determine as suitable reciprocation? What can pure reciprocation afford you?
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=181

Kidnapped for Christ: The Documentary
New beginnings are sometimes found in behaviour modification programs. Katie Logan was studying Christian programs when she found she had stumbled onto something much more when she researched Escuela Caribe. Ex-students of the facility had gruesome stories to tell, and the current students seemed to be hiding something. The documentary looks at how the students of Escuela Caribe lived daily life while Logan lived on the grounds, as well as asks viewers to determine what is expected of these programs, and when they become torture instead of turning a new leaf.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=155

What Would Judy Say? 
Judge Judith Sheindlin, known for her television show, Judge Judy, is a role model of mine. She always has wisdom to share and 72 years of collecting it. So what does the world's most popular judge want to tell us about life and profession? A great deal. This free e-book shares her advice and wisdom about the changing world we live in, in hopes she can inspire the next generation of professionals to hold onto functional traits and lessons that will serve them.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=184

Craiglist Joe
Joseph Garner sought out to understand how well the Internet can serve us, and how the community works together in today's society. Armed with only his clothes on his back, his laptop and phone, his passport and his toothbrush, Garner challenged himself to travel 31 days across America, surviving only on deals or contacts he made over Craigslist. How far would he get? The journey includes the people he met, their stories, and how they helped him on that leg of the journey. He was not to pay for anything -- only struggle with what he could barter or earn for himself via Craigslist.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=119

BNC210: The New Era of Anti-depressants?
A new start can sometimes be a medical break-through. BNC210 is the new compound that functions as an anti-depressant, only does not have the side effects currently found in other medications. It would mean a new start for many people if the drug continues to impress in clinical trials. The world would change for anti-depressant users, the drug being proven so far to be non-addictive, more rapidly affective with panic attacks, and doesn't impose biological and neurological side effects such as sedation, addiction, memory impairment, body movement effects, and potentially drug overdosing. So how far has this drug come so far and when is it going to be available?
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=183

I hope this month starts the new year off suitably and happily for everyone. If you haven't written up New Years resolutions yet, consider it, as they can be great motivators. If you have a goal and fall off the wagon, think about why you did, then consider a contingency plan. What can you learn from it to gain more success later? What could you change to make your goal more measurable or realistic? Remember, when writing goals, make sure they are SMART (Specific Meaningful Action-oriented Realistic Timely) goals!

(If you're unsure about what SMART goals really mean, see http://www.envisionexperience.com/~/media/images/blog/smart-goals.jpg?h=504&la=en&w=504).

It's the key to creating goals for yourself that you're more likely to achieve. An example would be:
a) I want to quit drinking       NOT SMART
OR
b) I want to quit drinking by June, 2016.       SMART!
c) I want to cut my drinking down to 75% of what it is currently by February 28th,  2016.     SMART!

B and C are more effective because they can help us create small goals that are manageable. They are specific so you know exactly how or when you want to work towards quitting drinking. They also explain the action you want to achieve (cut down by 75%)and they are timely because they have a time-line to work through and give you a sense of planning and a little urgency. Finally, make sure your goals are meaningful and realistic. Ask yourself, how important is this for you and why? Also, how realistic is the goal? Can you do it by the due-date? If not, change the date to reflect a better plan. Goals with due dates are always most effective!

Happy January!
The Editor.

Saturday, 26 December 2015

December, 2015

24th December, 2015

Dear all,

It's the end of the year and Christmas is tomorrow. Remember to hang the stockings and prepare for Santa's yearly deliveries. Also, happy birthday to all those who were born this time of year, as extra special arrivals!

The last six months have been challenging, but very rewarding. Since July I've been completing 4 units of specialisation, which I finished today. It's such a relief to have them completed. 400 hours of study over, balanced between writing articles, adding content to the website, reading and researching my new field of expertise, and a little left over for family projects and arrangements. I am exhausted! Oh, and another certificate course which I'll have finished in the next few weeks. Then a little more study and I'm free from Professional Development tasks until the end of 2016. It's always nice to be ahead of schedule.

This month I wanted to feature some articles of Christmas cheer, while throwing in some fun videos to bring joy to your week of celebrating. I realise a lot of people don't celebrate Christmas in a traditional sense, so I tried to include secular activities and subjects that people would enjoy.


WHAT WOULD JESUS BUY?
Martin Spurlock of the Supersize Me fame has created this documentary to address the debt related to Christmas and the ideals of materialism that are held during the holiday season. Featuring Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping choir, who travel the department stores and share their newly-phrased Christmas songs. A documentary for anyone who thinks presents are too focused on.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=162

PETS VS. CHRISTMAS
This is an article about all the features of Christmas celebration and what risks they hold for our furry friends. Christmas is a time of joy, not costly vet bills, so protect your fluffy companions this Christmas and make sure you are choosing pet-safe options
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=196
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=197

MINECRAFT: LEGO AND BEYOND
Minecraft is a game of creativity experience by thousands, and addicted to by many. All age brackets have enjoyed this game immensely using mods and alterations to make the game even more fun. I wanted to feature this game -- being a player of it myself -- as one of the games to share with family and friends this Christmas. A game without gore, bad language or age limitations -- even your early starters can enjoy the simplicity, but highly adaptable game modes.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=122

LHASA HAPPY HOMES
Recently, I was researching pet rescue facilities after finding some potentially abandoned kittens in our front garden, hiding under the stack of trees we've planted.  It reminded me of homelessness during Christmas and what it means to have a second chance at life. Being the time of Jesus's birth, who was a symbol of new starts, I wanted to uncover what rescue homes can achieve, and what new journeys their animals can face.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=158

ANNIE AGAIN
Because Christmas is about wishing the have-nots get a joyous time too! There have been many version of Annie, the musical. We've seen her performed on stage and in film, different actresses bursting out with Tomorrow and Hard Knock Life. Now, this 2014 version seeks to reinvent the musical, but the results caused a great deal of complaint when the new Annie wasn't a ginger. How far is too far when re-creating a classic?
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=168

I also hope everyone has a wonderful New Years. With a new year coming, and all my OPD studies completed, the website almost ready for full launch, and the new initiatives of Wesaytheysay.com ready for commencement, the next year looks to be very bright from here. May your new year seem just as promising.

Stay safe, happy and loved,

Editor
Wesaytheysay.com

Wednesday, 9 December 2015

November, 2015

Dear all,

Welcome to another blog. I'm still unsure what to include in these, so I guess it'll be all adlib.

This month I've been working hard on study. I've got 2 large courses and a smaller course to finish in my specialising, so I really want to finish them by Christmas. I'm knocking out the assessments pretty fast so I'm on track time-wise. My specialisation is connected to one of the new sections coming to the website so it's in my goals to complete them all before the holidays. That'll give me a few months of writing to get ahead of the articles, ready for when I launch one of the new sections of the website, as well as the website itself.

Life has been very busy, but very rewarding lately. I think this will be one of the first times I'll have almost all my New Years resolutions met in quite a few years. It's a good feeling. To know what you want to complete and then to actually finish is such a buzz. There will be so much progression in my life after such a busy, challenging year, and soon it'll feel worth it all. I'll be possibly exhausted and sleep throughout Christmas, but at least my goals will be complete!

This month wesaytheysay.com is featuring quite a few interesting articles, all of which should offer some different perspectives and ideas.

Parents of Primates: Darling or Danger?
There is a phenomenon that is spreading across America at the moment, and that is monkey parenting. Women are choosing to adopt and raise Capuchin monkeys as their own. These fluffy sweethearts start nice, but if not trained or cared correctly can be a burden on their families, as well as contract serious illnesses. One such case of extreme issue was the story of Charla Nash, the woman who lost her face to Travis, a human-raised chimpanzee. I sought to find out how monkeys should be cared for and if negative consequences can be avoided.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=191

Charla Nash: The Woman who Lost her Face.
In 2009, Charla Nash was brutally attacked by her friend's pet monkey, Travis. The chimpanzee had been raised by her friend, seeming to be a good pet, until many factors caused an extreme reaction on Nash's arrival to the property. While she survived the attack, it left a lot of public opinion against the keeping of wild animals as pets. A story of bravery and medical triumph. Includes graphic images to highlight the severity of the situation.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=193

Virtual Baby Kills Real Baby
The new documentary, Love Child, seeks to explain the death of Sarang, a 3-month old baby who died while her parents were working an online game to earn money. Their long hours in Prius, a game where "anima" or young mystical child followers assist the quester, were spent trying to farm gold to translate into real money to support their basic existence. Unfortunately, they lost their child and faced neglect charges upon their actions. Love Child explains what happened, what legal ramifications it causes, and the idea of gaming addicition and reliance on a virtual world to supply for real-life needs.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=135

Gaming Addiction at Home
American Psychiatrists are calling for Gaming Addiction to be added to the DSM-4, the mental illness directory, after many cases have come forward, some of which have been criminal cases where the perpetrators claimed diluted responsibility due to online activities. The American Psychiatric Association have even stated that there are biological symptoms similar to substance abuse in clients who are addicted to games, and have designed a criteria for diagnosing gaming addiction. In Korea there is even a Juvenile Protection Act, banning children under the age of 16 from playing video games between 12am and 6am.  So how do we tell if someone is addicted to games? What can we do? What should we be aware of?
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=144

112 Weddings
Doug Block was a young filmmaker years ago, who soon realised that just saying you wanted to make films did not bring opportunities to your door. He decided to make some money by video taping weddings. Twenty years and 112 weddings later, he decides to visit the couples he was the videographer for years ago. It's a documentary that seeks to explain how marriage works, the modern expectations of marriage and how people adapt from the altar to the parent of a family. It's a very interesting journey to embark on.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=142

They Were Friends -- Autism and Bullying
During 2014, a story broke that a young boy had been bullied and humiliated by two young female American teens who video-taped their abuse. The young boy they targeted was autistic and even after the police charged the perpetrators, still wondered why he wasn't seeing his "friends" anymore. I went on a search for answers as to why Autistic children are more susceptible to bullying, what precautions should be considered, and what support is available to parents who wish to bully-guard their children.
http://wesaytheysay.com/?id=125

I hope everyone has a nice week, and a nice journey as we get closer to Christmas. May your shopping and preparations be as merry as the day itself. For my US readers, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My best wishes,
S.