Book Review: The Parasitic Mind by Gad Saad

10 lessons from The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense by Gad Saad:

The Parasitic Mind is a book by Gad Saad that exposes the dangers of the "parasitic mind" - a mind that is easily influenced by false information, groupthink, and other cognitive biases.

The book shares insights into the psychology of the parasitic mind and offers strategies for protecting ourselves from its influence. Here are the ten (10) lessons from this book.

1. Beware of the idea pathogens. Idea pathogens are ideas that are harmful to our minds and society. They can be spread through social media, the news, and even our own friends and family. These days we couldn't say that everything we've watched on the news or what is on social media is valid and true.

2. Don't be afraid to question authority. Just because someone is in a position of power doesn't mean they're always right. Be willing to challenge the status quo and think for yourself. Think outside of the box, and engage in sensible conversation.

3. Beware of groupthink. Groupthink is when people in a group make decisions that are not in their best interests because they want to fit in. Be willing to speak up and disagree with the group if you think they're wrong. Agree to disagree but be humble.

4. Beware of echo chambers. Echo chambers are online communities where people only hear information that confirms their existing beliefs. This can lead to people becoming more extreme in their views and less open to new ideas.

5. Beware of confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs and ignore information that contradicts them. This can lead us to make bad decisions and believe things that aren't true.

6. Beware of the backfire effect. The backfire effect is when people become more entrenched in their beliefs when they're presented with evidence that contradicts them. This can happen because people don't like to be wrong, and they may feel like they have to defend their beliefs in order to save face.

7. Beware of the Dunning-Kruger effect. The Dunning-Kruger effect is when people who are incompetent at something overestimate their abilities. This can lead them to make bad decisions and believe things that aren't true.

8. Beware of the availability heuristic. The availability heuristic is a mental shortcut that we use to make decisions based on the information that is most easily available to us. This can lead us to make bad decisions because we may not be considering all of the relevant information.

9. Beware of the anchoring effect. The anchoring effect is when our judgment is influenced by the first piece of information we're given. This can lead us to make bad decisions because we may not be considering all of the relevant information.

10. Beware of the sunk cost fallacy. The sunk cost fallacy is when we continue to invest in something, even when it's clear that it's a bad investment because we don't want to admit that we've made a mistake. Even if it's a hard pill to swallow. This can lead us to lose even more money in the long run.

The word "expert" can be subjective, and self-censorship is a threat to freedom of speech. Saad mentioned in his book that many people claimed to be experts, intellectual leaders, and activists (as described by the authorities) or social justice warriors. As a result, no matter how qualified someone's credentials may be, we do service when we question. We must not control ourselves to use our intelligence and reason in search of understanding the truth.

BOOK: https://amzn.to/44Q4yxC

Title: The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense
Author: Gad Saad
Publisher: Regnery Publishing
Publication date: October 6, 2021
Hardcover price: $15.59
ISBN: 1684512298

My Dental Crown and Mother's Day Celebration 2023

 I woke in the morning with a positive mindset because it was my dental appointment at 11AM, at Chatuchak Dental Clinic in Phahayothin somewhere in Saphan Kwai (downtown) for my coronation (dental crown aka jacket crown😂). I had my fitting last week, and I paid 12,000 ThB from Daddy. I had breakfast and decided to wake up my second child to accompany me to the dentist. I found the DIY  Mother's Day cards on the table with some cash inserted inside. Those were sweet gestures of love 

We took a cab from the top of the road to Latkrabang Station (Airport link) which cost 160B, and the train cost 40B for each passenger to Phaya Thai (N2) Station interchange with the BTS Skytrain going to N7- Saphan Kwai costs 35B each. The total fare was 310ThB.  

After the dentist, we decided to go to Fashion. I wanted to try Bus 8 (non-air) which only costs 8B each, going to Happy Land near the Mall Bangkapi in Ladprao. Then, a taxi to the Fashion Mall costs 60B. I messaged my two girls at home to come and dine with us, I was told to eat after an hour so the dental cement would stick well with the tooth and the crown. My eldest drove our car to Fashion.

It was passed 1pm when we arrived and the place was packed with families. I wasn't surprised at all. I should've just decided to celebrate it the following day. It was my fault for insisting on going there since we were already out. 

We dined at MK, and we came in at 2pm for a very late lunch. We had the shabu set worth 399 ThB and ordered braised beef with rice for Nicole and me. Sofia ordered the yakisoba noodles. Since Samantha is not a picky eater, I ordered plain rice for her because she only likes soup and meat (shabu set). We loved the savory taste of the soup. We all ordered the refillable iced lemon tea. The bill costs 1,018 ThB only. 

There's a free Mother's Day picture for us from MK 

Then, we went to Siam Relax for an hour of Thai massage. It's located at Ramkamhaeng 166 in front of the gold shop. I usually go for a massage once a week, and it is always Saturday (my self-care day). We had the neck, shoulders, and back massage which cost 300B per person for 1 hour (not too pricy). I didn't wanna go upstairs (on the 3rd floor) because I don't really like lying down. I preferred to have it done on the couch. I loved the service so I gave a 50ThB tip. It was relaxing and refreshing, the pain was gone.

After the massage, we were a little hungry so we went to our favorite cafe & restaurant - Chon Latee. It is located a few steps away from Siam Relax. I'm a frequent customer here. We ordered the following:

Me - honey croffle & capuccino

Nicole - ham and egg club sandwich & matcha green tea

Sofia - carbonara & mint + milk drink

Samantha - fries & oreo milkshake + plain cheesy pizza

I used my discount coupon with 7 previous stamps (order 9 drinks, free 1 drink) so I had one drink for free. The total cost was only 1.040 ThB.  Overall, it was indeed a happy Mother's Day! The objectives were met, and I spent time for family bonding, self-care, and dining out with my favorite people. Thanks be to God for all the blessings - big or small. 

 

    

Book Review: 15 Lessons from "The Alchemist", by Paulo Coelho

Here is one of my favorite authors for all seasons. Paulo Coelho and "The Alchemist" 😍🤗

 15 lessons from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho:

1. *Follow your dreams.* Don't be afraid to follow your dreams, no matter how crazy they may seem. If you have a dream, go for it! 2. *Trust your intuition.* Your intuition is a powerful guide that can help you make good decisions. So, listen to your intuition and follow your gut. 3. *Live in the present moment.* The past is gone and the future is not yet here. The only moment we have is the present moment. So, focus on living in the present and enjoying each moment as it comes. 4. *Don't be afraid to take risks.* If you want to achieve something great, you have to take risks. So, don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take some risks. 5. *Believe in yourself.* Have faith in your abilities and know that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. 6. *Never give up on your dreams.* No matter how difficult things get, never give up on your dreams. Keep going until you achieve your goals. 7. *Be open to new experiences.* The world is a big and amazing place, so be open to new experiences. You never know where they might lead you. 8. *Learn from your mistakes.* Everyone makes mistakes. It's how we learn and grow. So, don't be afraid to make mistakes, just learn from them and move on. 9. *Be grateful for what you have.* Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can help you to appreciate the good things in your life. So, be grateful for what you have, no matter how small it may seem. 10. *Help others.* Helping others is a great way to feel good about yourself and make a difference in the world. 11. *Be true to yourself.* Don't try to be someone you're not. Be true to your own values and beliefs. 12. *Follow your heart.* Your heart knows what's best for you. So, follow your heart and you'll never go wrong. 13. *The universe conspires to help you achieve your dreams.* If you have a dream, the universe will help you achieve it. So, believe in yourself and keep going, and the universe will guide you along the way. 14. *The journey is more important than the destination.* The journey of achieving your dreams is just as important as the destination itself. So, enjoy the journey and learn from it along the way. 15. *Everything is interconnected.* Everything in the universe is interconnected. So, treat everyone with respect, because you never know how they might be connected to you. I hope these lessons help you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. BOOK: https://amzn.to/3DuFzo1

IEP Summer Safari 2023

 This summer, I was assigned to teach combined classes of Y5-9 and the theme is Leopard for IEP Summer Safari. I almost got 30 students but some students were always absent. So, probably I had only 25-27 kids. The classroom was full and it was difficult to mobilize students when I taught them. I taught Computer, Drama/Presentation, Arts, and Cooking classes. 

For Computer subject, I taught unplugged coding and hands-on coding in the lab. The kids made chocolate chip cookies (no bake), in relation to the leopard theme because of the spots or patches during the cooking class. They created their costume mask for arts and crafts. They also practiced the script of "How the Leopard got his spots" for the drama/presentation.

We went to the Science Museum at Pathumtani to explore more about Science and Technology Coding and artifacts of people, animals, and places. Lunch and transportation were provided. There was no entrance fee collected from the students.  

Classes should be split into Y5-6 and 7-9 instead of mixing them in one class. Y4A and 4B had many students, too but they weren't combined (20 students in each class). There's only one homeroom teacher though. So, I guess shouldn't complain 😅😂😉  

Overall, it was fun and exciting for my students in Summer Class 2023. 

Teachers' First Day of the First Semester, SY 2023-2024 (super late post)

 The 8th of May, 2023 (Monday) was the first day of the first semester at our school, for all the teachers. But, students will start their classes on the 15th of May for all private and government schools. In other school branches, the teachers were asked to report on the 10th of May. 

On the first day, we had a meeting at 9AM with our IEP Coordinator and Assistant Director. The objectives were to give class assignments to the foreign teachers, and other valuable information about the school opening.

This year's class assignment is indeed one of the best, I prayed for it. I will teach Computer Science to Year 5 and Year 6, and the Homeroom Teacher for Y6B. Last year, I thought Y9A was the worst of all. Until I found out that Y6B is actually more problematic than Y9A last year. It's probably why I was put back to be a homeroom teacher of Y6B again. I have mixed emotions. But I hope I could overcome my fears and what ifs. 

We were given materials to decorate the bulletin board and prepare the classroom for the school opening. This year, Math is the subject assigned to me for my bulletin board. I had no idea what to do. Good thing that I looked up via Pinterest and saw many things there that inspire me. It was simple yet beautiful. I did it as quickly as I could because the deadline is tomorrow. 

Food Review: Jomhod Delivery Minburi Restaurant

        Here is one of the famous buffet restaurants here in Bangkok. It is located along Suwinthawong in Minburi. Jomhod Delivery Minburi Restaurant opens at 4pm, and it's perfect for a buffet early dinner.  You may want to bring along your family and friends to celebrate your special events, birthdays, and anniversary. It's only 288 Thai Baht per person (inclusive of drinks and desserts). There is a time limit of 1 hour only and you need to pay for the leftover food (if there's so much on your table that you couldn't eat anymore). Warning: It is costly if you'll leave some food on your desk, so just get what you can only consume. They're open for delivery. This place is usually crowded with groups of people who have a good appetite like me 😅 

 This is the front image of their shop, facing Suwinthawong Road. 

It's the opposite of Uniqlo shop.

          There is a parking area at the back of the shop. For more information about parking spaces or the exact location of the restaurant, please visit their 

            FB page - จอมโหดDelivery สาขา มีนบุรี   https://web.facebook.com/jomhodminburi

Google Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/HAqiG2rZA1FregKTA

Contact Number - 081 495 1540

        

        So if you're craving seafood, grilled marinated pork back ribs, hamburger, free-flowing drinks, ice cream in many flavors, French fries, popcorn, fruits, chicken nuggets, Bonchon-inspired fried-chicken, and many more! Visit this affordable restaurant. Do you know that grilled marinated back ribs at Chocolate Ville and Sizzlers cost about 500-600 Thai Baht for each order? Why spend more when you can eat less than what you'll pay for in there? There are five (5) sauce flavors to choose from- cheese, black pepper, BBQ, and Mala sauce. Mala is a blend of spicy and numbing seasoning made from Sichuan peppercorn and chili.