DEAFNESS LINKED TO LOVING THE SOUND OF ONE'S VOICE

In a shocking turn of events, 35 year old Gary P. became suddenly deaf after listening to his own voice.

"I just love to hear myself talk. Sometimes I just
talk about my thoughts and feelings for hours. Other times I start arguments
just to hear myself speak. I can't believe this cruel twist of fate!"

We are watching this story closely for any other events of hearing loss linked to never shutting-up.

PASSIVE AGGRESSION PROVEN INEFFECTIVE

USA - Passive Aggression is often defined as learned helplessness, procrastination, stubbornness, resentment, sullenness, or deliberate/repeated failure to accomplish requested tasks for which one is (often explicitly) responsible.

A recent study performed at The Research Center for Healthy Assertion (founded 1981) was performed due to a noticeable rise in cases of Passive Aggressive (Negativistic) Personality Disorder. The study revealed that Passive-Aggression is actually, quite simply another form of aggression. In addition the researchers uncovered that the effects on the victims of Passive Aggression include defensiveness, anger, hostility and a feeling that they are being manipulated.

One case study stated, that those participating in passive aggression often feel that they are not being hostile and when met with returned aggression become angry and feel that they are being treated unfairly. On the other hand many of the study participants reacted in a somewhat antagonistic manner when passive aggression was tested on themselves.

Sherry Urbane - Director of the PAPD Study - commented that her findings were conclusive, though they warrant further study. The reports indicated that Passive Aggression was nearly completely ineffective as an interpersonal tool, often damaging to relationships and was not a healthy way for one to assert oneself. Sherry feels that this disorder has not gotten the attention that is warranted and hopes to help those afflicted to come to a better understanding of their emotions through her study.

For a detailed description of PAPD see the Medical Manual DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS aka DSM-IV-TR®.

References: http://www.coping.org/anger/passive.htm#What http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive-aggressive

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec07/ch105/ch105a.html

RETAIL WORKER SNOBS PATRON - GETS SOCKED IN THE NOSE

This week, in an affluent Dever suburb, 20-something Jane Doh visited a local lingerie boutique. She was first alarmed of the situation to develop; when the sales clerk asked her how she could be of assistance to Jane with a "rude and condescending tone". According to Jane, she "politely asked the saleswoman what sizes their tops came in."

Jane reports, "The stupid old lady began to laugh hysterically. Then she asked if I meant bras. When I said, 'Yes I'm looking for bras and lingerie tops,' she began to laugh harder and repeatedly said 'tops' as if it weren't even English. I stood in astonishment for some time before I asked her if she was making fun of me. 'Can you afford anything here?' was her curt reply. After a moment of contemplation I asked again if she intended to be rude. She just began to laugh wildly so I socked her one."

Many in the local community have begun to call Sharon a hero. Many women interviewed, claim that too have been harassed by retail staff when shopping. Comments one middle aged African American woman, "At times I have been followed closely, being asked every few minutes if I need help."

Middle-class mother of three Angie claims, "One time I ran into a major department store to grab a pair of pantyhose. I was disheveled from running the kids around, so I guess I might have looked as if I wasn't very well to do. While picking out a pair of pantyhose the clerk approached me and asked, 'You know that pair is regular price? You probably were looking for the clearance section.' While taking the pantyhose from me and placing them back on the rack. I wanted so badly to ask her if she herself could afford them or just sock her in the nose, but I hadn't the courage. I'm so grateful for a strong woman like Jane to stand up for consumer rights."

A short interview with the stores manager shed some light on the clerks behavior. Manager Sally Pompoussa remarks, "Some people just look poor or like they might steal. We have to keep a close eye on them. Its not personal!"

In spite of the stores stand the sentiment of our above quoted women, is being echoed throughout the female shopping community. The clerk has declined to be interviewed and is currently pursuing charges of assault against Mrs. Doh.

ASIAN GIVEN CHOPSTICKS

Today at a local American Style restaurant, an Asian-American diner sat down and ordered a hamburger. To his shock and dismay just before his meal was served the waitress stopped by his table and plopped down a set of chopsticks beside him."I couldn't believe it." The man commented.

The unashamed waitress issued a formal statement saying, "What? That is what they eat with isn't it? I mean, they'd give me a fork if I was in their restaurant!"

Our in depth research on Asian eco-socio-customs indicated that many persons native to China, Japan, Vietnam and other Asian countries do indeed eat with chopsticks. Our research however indicated it to be highly unsusual to eat a hamburger with chopsticks.