Adam, Asberger's Syndrome, and Sociality

It was around November and it was raining. I was wearing my (at the time) favorite black leather French resistance-inspired hat and the rain wasn't bothering me at all as it tends not to for the most part, anyway.

We were conversing about this and that while sipping from the paper cups and enjoying the rain.
Then came the revelation. It was disclosed to me in full intimacy and honesty what the other party had as a chronic condition. For the first time in my life I got to know experientially what so many people before me used to mean when using the word 'compassion'. I also learned for the first time that true intimacy is born out of difficult sharing. I remember uttering no words. All I offered was a smile followed by a hug. No words were necessary. Just pure, unadulterated, and honest sociality.
This experience of mine came to life again while viewing the new film Adam.

Since that rainy November day, my appreciation for and understanding of people who suffer with/from chronic conditions has increased immeasurably.

In the film Adam, the main character has Asperger's Syndrome and while the film does bear his name, the story itself is more about his soon-to-become lover and dear friend Beth Buchwald who is convincingly played by Rose Byrne. In a well crafted manner, the film manages to recount rather effortlessly and comfortably how Beth comes to deal with Adam's condition and how she is instrumental in teaching him how to get integrated into the world and live independently.

Hugh Dancy plays Adam and I have enjoyed Dancy's performances in basically everything he's done. He seems to be the kind of performer who makes it easy for the people he acts with to, well, act.

I recommend this film to you not out of its great cinematic values. Granted it does deliver on quite a few counts. What makes this story one I think you should explore is the message it imparts. That it takes a village to do life, whether you're syndrome-influenced or not. The film captures effortlessly the need for healthy and honest sociality and how it is, more often than not, stronger than the most potent pharmaceutical drug.

Here's the preview.

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Formula 1, Alban Skenderaj, Europe, and Music

All the Euros in the crowd say 'what, what.' Don't be shy now. I know for a fact I have a lot of Euro readers.
If you're intent on pressing me for a definition [especially you, category-enamored folk], then all the authentic Euro and Europe-influenced/informed/educated/experienced folk say 'what, what.'
I'm sure the pool became significantly larger now.

All the Euros in the crowd who love Formula 1 say 'what, what.'
All the Euros in the crowd who are friggin' excited that Michael Schumacher is reentering the sport, raise the roof. Woof, woof, woof!
Another woof for me. I'm uber excited Schumacher's back as he used to be the very making of the sport, in my humble opinion, at least. And he focuses like a very small, blessed few. But I digress.

Now, all the Euros who know what the official Formula 1 song for 2009 is, say 'what, what.'
Those of you who know who the performer is, follow suit.

I can't say I can say 'what, what' to the last two and as much as I love music and follow it nigh maniacally, I didn't know about the new official song to Formula 1 called This Is Your Day performed by Albanian-born Alban Skenderaj. Granted, the fact that the sound is not entirely aligned with my own musical sensitivities might have something to do with it.
Still, I'm happy to have heard about it.

Ergo, tip of the hat to Giuditta Dante for the pointer.
And another tip of the hat goes to Alban Skenderaj who even though he's channeling too much alternative rock a-la-Nickeback, is one impressive guy.

Ah, and aesthetically, those of you who ask me what I think an Indie guy a-la-2009 looks like, refer to Alban on the stadium stairs.

And, for your viewing pleasure, here is the song:

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