I highly recommend you look at this chart. Keep looking it for a few seconds.
You may read/view it here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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.
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.
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:
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:
Sunday, August 16, 2009
NO, It's Not Hip to Be Round. I'm Calling 'Lazy.'
What a ridiculous premise this NY Times article has!
So, just because the economy is bad, we should forget about health and well-being. Since when was taking care of one's self a sign of decadence and having too much time?
I don't know Guy Trebay nor have I ever seen him in person but I would bet that he has, at least a mild form, of bicep-envy.
A bit says:
“I sort of think the six-pack abs obsession got so prissy it stopped being masculine,” is how Aaron Hicklin, the editor of Out, explains the emergence of the Ralph Kramden. What once seemed young and hot, for gay and straight men alike, now seems passé. Like manscaping, spray-on tans and other metrosexual affectations, having a belly one can bounce quarters off suggests that you may have too much time on your hands.
“It’s not cool to be seen spending so much time fussing around about your body,” Mr. Hicklin said.
And so guys can happily and guiltlessly go to seed.
No way, man, no friggin' way! How ridiculous is this?! Are the Times out of serious writers with credible stories and premises?
More here.
A Question Bob Dylan Would Never Ask: "Don't You Know Who I Am?"
Tip of the hat to my cousin for the pointer.
While reading this story, I had the voice of Entourage's Johnny Drama in my ear when, in an effort to console his brother, Vincent, he says: "Ah, forget it, bro. The whole county's on meth!"
Bob Dylan was pulled over by, as Michael Chabon-inspired Grady Tripp would put it, the 'puberty police,' while he was innocently walking around a low-income neighborhood before a conference.
Bob Dylan needs to get inspired too, folks.
I was embarrassed for the policemen while reading this. Dylan is one of the strongest cultural signs of our times. I would very much doubt that the police would have resorted to the same tactic had Dylan been, oh, I don't know, Britney or some such pop culture sign. Somehow, I don't quite see Britney and some such artists looking for inspiration in the underbelly of America, however.
So, the tip of the BR hat goes to Dylan this morning for having a small ego and taking it all in stride.
A bit says: " A 24-year-old police officer apparently was unaware of who Dylan is and asked him for identification, Long Branch business administrator Howard Woolley said Friday.
"I don't think she was familiar with his entire body of work," Woolley said.
The incident began at 5 p.m. when a resident said a man was wandering around a low-income, predominantly minority neighborhood several blocks from the oceanfront looking at houses.
The police officer drove up to Dylan, who was wearing a blue jacket, and asked him his name. According to Woolley, the following exchange ensued:
"What is your name, sir?" the officer asked.
"Bob Dylan," Dylan said.
"OK, what are you doing here?" the officer asked.
"I'm on tour," the singer replied.
A second officer, also in his 20s, responded to assist the first officer. He, too, apparently was unfamiliar with Dylan, Woolley said.
Read more here.
Johnny Drama would sigh in disbelief here. As would many of us.
The Economics of Living Together
Tip of the hat to MR for the pointer.
The following data come from Switzerland and not from the US. Very interesting read. A bit says:
"How large are the economies of scale of living together? And how do partners share their resources? The first question is usually answered by equivalence scales. Traditional estimation and application of equivalence scales assumes equal sharing of income within the household. This paper uses data on financial satisfaction to simultaneously estimate the sharing rule and the economy of scale parameter in a collective household model. The estimates indicate substantial scale economies of living together, especially for couples who have lived together for some time. On average, wives receive almost 50% of household resources, but there is heterogeneity with respect to the wives’ contribution to household income and the duration of the relationship."
The following data come from Switzerland and not from the US. Very interesting read. A bit says:
"How large are the economies of scale of living together? And how do partners share their resources? The first question is usually answered by equivalence scales. Traditional estimation and application of equivalence scales assumes equal sharing of income within the household. This paper uses data on financial satisfaction to simultaneously estimate the sharing rule and the economy of scale parameter in a collective household model. The estimates indicate substantial scale economies of living together, especially for couples who have lived together for some time. On average, wives receive almost 50% of household resources, but there is heterogeneity with respect to the wives’ contribution to household income and the duration of the relationship."
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The Economics of Being a 'Hef' Girlfriend
Yowsah, yowsah!
"Being a Hefner Girlfriend was a specialised job, not to be confused with being a Playboy Playmate. In fact, Girlfriends were not allowed to become Playmates because Hef had found that they tended to flee the Mansion as soon as they collected their $25,000 Playmate cheque. Girlfriends were given their own bedroom, an allowance of $1,000 a week in cash, a new car, free dental and medical treatment, almost limitless clothes, hairdos, make-up and facials and all the cosmetic surgery they could wish for – Izabella reckons Hef shelled out $70,000 a year on breast implants. "
Read more here.
"Being a Hefner Girlfriend was a specialised job, not to be confused with being a Playboy Playmate. In fact, Girlfriends were not allowed to become Playmates because Hef had found that they tended to flee the Mansion as soon as they collected their $25,000 Playmate cheque. Girlfriends were given their own bedroom, an allowance of $1,000 a week in cash, a new car, free dental and medical treatment, almost limitless clothes, hairdos, make-up and facials and all the cosmetic surgery they could wish for – Izabella reckons Hef shelled out $70,000 a year on breast implants. "
Read more here.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Gadget Mania
This morning as I was running my errands I found myself getting restless by the minute. I wondered why that was as the anxiety was of a distinctly different nature. It was nuanced by a kind of emergency I had yet to experience. I did a run-down of my routine and all seemed in order. All minus one thing, that is.
I had forgotten to bring my iPhone along.
If I'm walking or waiting in line somewhere I use the opportunity to read the news, email, or text and satisfy an array of multi-tasking inclinations. Gadgets like the iPhone succeed in claiming your attention because they are just that well deserving of your attention. They, more often than not, produce the right info. Not only that, they're quick and they don't waste time by producing a litany of 'uhms,' 'you knows,' and 'likes.' How many humans can we say this about, folks?
I was away from it for about ninety minutes today and I don't think I've ever hurried that much to get home. Under other circumstances, I would have checked into the nearest Betty Form clinic for the clinically addicted to iPhones and other such über-cool gadgets. Instead, I realized that I, like millions of others, have long fallen into the unavoidable lap of trickery of the iPhone. For, once a user, always a user.
And yet somehow I didn't try to rectify the problem and get all 'zen.' I suppose I know who I'm dealing with so I gladly give in. Because, after all, I do know that just when I start to think I'm out, it, the gadget, will find a way to pull me right back in.
Subscribe to HetPer Subscribe to Gendering the Media PodcastHow the Beatles Destroyed Rock n Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music
Elijah Wald's book How the Beatles Destroyed Rock n Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music is a must-read.
Well-known musicians concur as well. Wald provides a most gripping analysis of the history of rock and how it shaped many of our attitudes towards music and various musical trends throughout time during the 20th century. If you're interested in the history of music and the role that rock 'n roll plays in our lives, this books needs your attention.
The wonderful stories and vignettes Wald provides are imagination-capturing.
I very much doubt you'll have the urge to stop reading.
It is that good!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Paragraph of Note
An interesting new title by Petter Robb called Midnight in Sicily: On Art, Food, History, Travel and la Cosa Nostra.
"Every transaction in Naples, every social act, requires a complex and at times exhausting social trafficking, a subtle and insidious play whereby the socially weaker player contrives to ingratiate himself and at the same time take the piss out of the stronger, to catch the other wrong-footed, but delicately, imperceptibly, to introduce some subliminal sense of social unease that may then be used as leverage. To create if possible a sense of obligation, of gratitude, even dependency. There isn't necessarily any malice in this. It's an old art of creating strength out of weakness and Neapolitan amiability itself is part of it. In Naples it has always been a necessary art of survival. If respect is the crucial concept in social relations in Sicily, the Neapolitan counterpart is its opposite, disrespect."
"Every transaction in Naples, every social act, requires a complex and at times exhausting social trafficking, a subtle and insidious play whereby the socially weaker player contrives to ingratiate himself and at the same time take the piss out of the stronger, to catch the other wrong-footed, but delicately, imperceptibly, to introduce some subliminal sense of social unease that may then be used as leverage. To create if possible a sense of obligation, of gratitude, even dependency. There isn't necessarily any malice in this. It's an old art of creating strength out of weakness and Neapolitan amiability itself is part of it. In Naples it has always been a necessary art of survival. If respect is the crucial concept in social relations in Sicily, the Neapolitan counterpart is its opposite, disrespect."
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