Category Archive: REFLECTIONS WITH AN ACCENT

What is a virus? How does COVID19 vaccine work? Immunology 101 with Akiko Iwasaki

In-depth interview with Akiko Iwasaki. Akiko was named in the list of 50 Experts to Trust in a Pandemic. The interview is in English. Akiko Iwasaki is the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor in the Department of Immunobiology and a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at Yale University. She is also a principal investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Why Kids Love Dinosaurs so Much?

As I come up with a daily bedtime story, I have become aware of an increase in my daughter’s dinosaur behests. Not surprising considering we now know that 900 dinosaurs existed. She is fascinated with the Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor, and the Triceratops. I started asking myself why such intrigue? She learns these long names and repeatedly asks for information regarding the different kinds of dinosaurs. “How did they vanish from planet earth, dad?  This is what science refers to as “intense interests” in the world of psychology.  

To Slack or Not to Slack

Deadlines are mandatory when we race, and optional when we create. But do we really need them? The etymology of deadline is debatable, probably named after lines that did not move in times of war.  

What truly matters is that they force us to arrange chores in order of priority focusing on our goals. They are the perfect aid to say no to non-meaningful goals. 

Just Say No

How many times have you felt compelled to say no, but you ended up accepting a job or an activity because of FOMO? Or I should better refer to it as Fear of Missing Out. 

Thinking that you are being left “out of the loop” can become a problem.  There will always be exciting events happening elsewhere.

Those Small Things

It all started waking up at 5 am. The happiness and inner satisfaction to conquer a simple act everyday triggered a cascade of change. I recall it was Ankita Singhal who said “A small change can make a big difference. You are the only one who can make our world a better place to inhabit. So, don’t be afraid to take a stand .”  So be it.