Narcissist

Narcissist Personality Disorder

Immediate sign is that of someone who acts in a ‘superior’ fashion to others and this impression is manifested both publicly and privately. The slightest criticism of the narcissist is not tolerated by the individual, one of the protective mechanisms to sustain the persona.
Theirs is an idealized version of themselves or artifice. It’s a grandiose concept without normal checks and balances. This inflated idealised persona enables focus away from the insecurities lurking beneath. The difficult exterior is the manifestation of the effort needed to sustain the illusion.

The Narcissist cannot function without biased, interpersonal support from others. The narcissist supply supports the attention demanded at both public and private levels. Without the supply the persona is unable to mask the vulnerability beneath.

Does Narcissist tendency increase with social media use? There seems to be a complex relationship between the two. It appears that social media has substantial impact on users including younger users and that they can be adversely affected. But what is commonly defined as Narcissism on social media is not necessarily the same as is formally defined as Narcissism. Some of these social media accounts may display a genuine self like/respect that is not NPD. It appears that Narcissists prior to taking to social media will be more attracted to texting based media (known as textual) such as Twitter whereas those yet to exhibit Narcissistic traits will do so after using Facebook or other visually based media.
But so many conditions and variables exist and there is no conclusive evidence that social media actually creates Narcissists.
From psychologytoday.com and other sources.

Vaccines

It normally takes 10 year period to trial and develop an effective vaccine against disease. in 2020, scientists managed to develop multiple vaccines within the time frame of a single year.
Some clarity is needed in regards to fighting disease. 70% effective vaccines (in clinical trials) such as AstraZeneca and the Johnson & Johnson are effective in stopping COVID-19. While both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are 94 to 95% effective, the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are none the less sufficient in combatting the disease. In this regard the percentage effective argument is irrelevant. Their benefits over the Pfizer and Moderna are outlined below.

The first vaccines receiving EUA (emergency use authorisation) in the US are the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines and are mRNA vaccines. Both require two doses.
AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines in contrast are viral vector vaccines. AstraZeneca has received EUA in Australia and Johnson & Johnson has now received EUA in the US.

mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid and could be described as giving your body instructions to construct a particular protein. mRNA is not able to modify a person’s genetic makeup or DNA. mRNA from the vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell (location of the DNA). Instead, the COVID- 19 vaccines that use mRNA work with body’s natural defence to develop immunity to the disease.

Viral vector is a gene code unique to SARs-CoV-2 and helps produce a spike protein and displays it on the cell’s surface. Once on the surface of the cell, it causes the immune system to begin producing antibodies and activating T-cells to fight off what ‘it thinks’ is an infection.

Like the AstraZeneca, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not require ultra low temperature storage and can cater for innumerable situations where sub zero storage is unfeasable.
Obvious advantages especially for developing countries and for increased rates of vaccination and ultimately potential for herd immunity in population.
Prior war efforts in converting factory floors to accomodate and ramp up production is analogous to recent pharmaceutical companies in their effort to combat COVD- 19. Known as second-source agreements, smaller companies in developing countries have paired up with vaccine companies in rich countries to produce faster rollout times.

Contagion

It’s amazing how quickly things change. In the space of a week we are somewhere else, what we care about, what we act upon. A fortnight ago seems the distant past, another world considering the maelstrom of events. We lived with endless opportunity and unlimited possibilities. You could go anywhere, get anything or even be anything you wanted.

Continue reading Contagion