After a few weeks of snowy, icy, shut down the neighborhood dreadful weather, the tide has turned. It was seventy-eight degrees today, with an accompanying brisk wind. Shorts and sandals will dominate our college campus, and I will yet again experience envy and my annually sparked dread of aging.
I read a good book: How to Read a Sentence: and How to Write One, a thoughtful book that dissects the elements of great sentence-making. I got in touch with the author and we exchanged emails. What is most fascinating about that is the ease with which I could find him and his email address. One of many positive elements of the information age.
I have developed terrible allergies: all of a sudden, and to what I have no idea. It is incredibly frustrating and downright difficult to teach with my voice emanating from a clogged nasal passage.
The textbook reps showed up again. They ply us with bizarre compliments (you really should publish those Power Points you made!), and give us trinkets (pens, bookmarks) and lots of books for us to look at and keep. I generally give these away to students, because they can sell them to a nearby bookstore and generate some serious cash. The really excellent book reps bring bagels and doughnuts. I may start a bribery war by telling each about what the others have brought us. "McGraw-Hill brought two dozen doughnuts, bagels, and a variety pack of cream cheeses," I'll inform them.
I won a contest and I think it's the first time I ever have. It was a submission to an educational organization looking for new teaching methods to spark critical thinking. I get $300 and a "gift basket." I am hoping the basket has a $500 gas card redeemable anywhere gas is sold, some coupons for Panera restaurant, and some coffee mugs. That's what I need, more coffee mugs. Coffee mugs are an ever growing concern around my office and house: impossible to throw away, you realize. You can't just throw them out. They look too useful. So they collect in huge piles in the kitchen cabinets and on my bookshelves, choking the life out of all the other beverage containers. Surely we'll need them, I convince myself. Anyway, I bet I do get some more mugs, and maybe an apple or two, in this "gift basket."
As I wish for more cold weather, I realize that it's because I can hide my ever-expanding waistline with coats and my ever-diminishing sense of immortality. I'm just gonna have to deal with the rising temperatures.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Hero in Us All
If a baseball player wins game seven of the world series by hitting a home run in the bottom of the ninth, is he a hero? If a woman runs into a burning home to save her neighbor's children, is she? If they are her children, is it heroism or duty? If I grab a child when he is about to step in front of a passing car am I acting heroically? Carefully crafting a precise definition is less useful than understanding the purposes of our quest to identify and deify the heroes among us.
Why do we need to find heroes, and why do some wish to be one? The process is essentially identification. We call up the best parts of ourselves when we identify a heroic deed, thereby exercising what some psychologists say are innate parts of us humans: empathy and altruism. When we call someone a hero, we are seeing ourselves. How common it is to imagine how we might respond in that same circumstance, how we too might save that little child, how we could endure terrible times and odds to prevail against them. We fantasize about such things because we need to remind ourselves of our truest potentials. Or is it something else?
If I was a hero, would I know it? Probably not. I am reminded of how often someone who gets called a hero says, "I really don't think what I did was anything special," or, "I was doing what anybody would do." There is something to this. Is selflessness required for heroism to be displayed? Must we be risking our own safety to help another? Maybe when acting heroically we are blinded forever to its specialness, as if we enter a world of hyper-connection to humanity: accepting such a label disconnects us from the collective unconscious.
Would I want such a designation? No, never. Because that would mean that I have, at the very least, assigned self-importance to my behavior; at worst become narcissistic. I have been told by more than one person that because I have fought and mostly prevailed in my "struggle" with Type 1 diabetes for 47 years, I am a hero. No I'm not, and not even close to that. There is no selflessness in my behaviors; quite the contrary. After all, what is the alternative to my self-care, death? In any activities to ensure one's own survival, heroic deeds cannot be done.
What happens to someone when they are ascribed that mythical label? I think there's a book in this question, or at least a study or two. There's already a movie, not surprisingly called "Hero." Dustin Hoffman was the "real" hero, and someone else takes credit for his deeds. It depicts the dynamic of selflessness and narcissism at work in both characters.
I think we need to identify heroic acts, but not over idealize the individuals who perform them. I tend to get disappointed when I do that.
Why do we need to find heroes, and why do some wish to be one? The process is essentially identification. We call up the best parts of ourselves when we identify a heroic deed, thereby exercising what some psychologists say are innate parts of us humans: empathy and altruism. When we call someone a hero, we are seeing ourselves. How common it is to imagine how we might respond in that same circumstance, how we too might save that little child, how we could endure terrible times and odds to prevail against them. We fantasize about such things because we need to remind ourselves of our truest potentials. Or is it something else?
If I was a hero, would I know it? Probably not. I am reminded of how often someone who gets called a hero says, "I really don't think what I did was anything special," or, "I was doing what anybody would do." There is something to this. Is selflessness required for heroism to be displayed? Must we be risking our own safety to help another? Maybe when acting heroically we are blinded forever to its specialness, as if we enter a world of hyper-connection to humanity: accepting such a label disconnects us from the collective unconscious.
Would I want such a designation? No, never. Because that would mean that I have, at the very least, assigned self-importance to my behavior; at worst become narcissistic. I have been told by more than one person that because I have fought and mostly prevailed in my "struggle" with Type 1 diabetes for 47 years, I am a hero. No I'm not, and not even close to that. There is no selflessness in my behaviors; quite the contrary. After all, what is the alternative to my self-care, death? In any activities to ensure one's own survival, heroic deeds cannot be done.
What happens to someone when they are ascribed that mythical label? I think there's a book in this question, or at least a study or two. There's already a movie, not surprisingly called "Hero." Dustin Hoffman was the "real" hero, and someone else takes credit for his deeds. It depicts the dynamic of selflessness and narcissism at work in both characters.
I think we need to identify heroic acts, but not over idealize the individuals who perform them. I tend to get disappointed when I do that.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Nanonovellinas
Uhhh.
Do. It.
EVOL (ve)
No!
Meaningless
Go. Do. Be.
Do Be Do Be Do
Who?
Cry. Out.
Dat's it.
Do. It.
EVOL (ve)
No!
Meaningless
Go. Do. Be.
Do Be Do Be Do
Who?
Cry. Out.
Dat's it.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
OK, so enough with this snow already...
Enduring day after day of confinement in my house following record-breaking cold and snow, I have but one request: get me outta here! I want to go back to work. The truth is, I love being at work, sometimes more than I like being at home, and I tread on thin ice by explaining myself.
At home, I have a vast collection of music and movies and books, although I don't listen to much music or watch many of my movies. I need the music loud, so I can hear it, on account of my horrifically bad hearing, even with my hearing aids in. Likewise with the movies. This tends to piss people off. The other thing is that I like music and movies in vastly different genres than my wife and daughter. I like science fiction and westerns and violent and sexy movies. My wife likes feel-good flicks. A diet exclusively of these is like eating only lettuce: sure you'd start losing weight but it gets old, and bland, fast.
And of course the mercurial, hypersensitive emotional condition of 15 year old females is a special treat to behold!
Then there are the dogs. They follow me around, which is fine mostly, but sometimes annoying. They're on my lap if I'm sitting in my tall and fat man's recliner, which is most of the time. I love them, and they love me. I get affection needs met with those two little lovable devils.
Of course, it's just my perspective, but it seems there's a continual (not continuous) stream of annoying things going on at home (here's that thin ice I mentioned earlier.) Something I'm doing or not doing or saying or not saying that I should or shouldn't be doing or saying, or something my daughter is doing or not doing or saying or not saying that she should be doing or not be doing or should be saying or not saying. I refuse to disparage my wife in any of that. I accept full responsibility for this observation, no matter it's delusional or accurate depiction.
At work, I have a great deal of control. I like having control. More control = less stress because more control = greater predictability. I know what's coming next, usually. I don't control all of it, though, and since absolute power corrupts absolutely, I don't want total control. Total control also spoils spontaneity.
I love teaching, and all that goes with it, except maybe committee meetings. But God how I love preparing my courses and lectures, how I love standing (or sitting) in front of a class of expectant vessels. I so love conveying the essence of something in a new and powerful way. I love discussing the nuances of some subject, exploring its depth, watching brows rise and eyes light up. What a feeling! I'm not sure I wouldn't give up orgasms for that to continue. Luckily, no such bargains need be struck.
I want to set up my office in special ways, perhaps to duplicate the best parts of my house: flat screen TV, great stereo, fridge, microwave, massage chair, etc. After I make a million, I will.
Now back to reading that preparatory text for the Psychiatric board exams. Unnecessary, but fascinating.
At home, I have a vast collection of music and movies and books, although I don't listen to much music or watch many of my movies. I need the music loud, so I can hear it, on account of my horrifically bad hearing, even with my hearing aids in. Likewise with the movies. This tends to piss people off. The other thing is that I like music and movies in vastly different genres than my wife and daughter. I like science fiction and westerns and violent and sexy movies. My wife likes feel-good flicks. A diet exclusively of these is like eating only lettuce: sure you'd start losing weight but it gets old, and bland, fast.
And of course the mercurial, hypersensitive emotional condition of 15 year old females is a special treat to behold!
Then there are the dogs. They follow me around, which is fine mostly, but sometimes annoying. They're on my lap if I'm sitting in my tall and fat man's recliner, which is most of the time. I love them, and they love me. I get affection needs met with those two little lovable devils.
Of course, it's just my perspective, but it seems there's a continual (not continuous) stream of annoying things going on at home (here's that thin ice I mentioned earlier.) Something I'm doing or not doing or saying or not saying that I should or shouldn't be doing or saying, or something my daughter is doing or not doing or saying or not saying that she should be doing or not be doing or should be saying or not saying. I refuse to disparage my wife in any of that. I accept full responsibility for this observation, no matter it's delusional or accurate depiction.
At work, I have a great deal of control. I like having control. More control = less stress because more control = greater predictability. I know what's coming next, usually. I don't control all of it, though, and since absolute power corrupts absolutely, I don't want total control. Total control also spoils spontaneity.
I love teaching, and all that goes with it, except maybe committee meetings. But God how I love preparing my courses and lectures, how I love standing (or sitting) in front of a class of expectant vessels. I so love conveying the essence of something in a new and powerful way. I love discussing the nuances of some subject, exploring its depth, watching brows rise and eyes light up. What a feeling! I'm not sure I wouldn't give up orgasms for that to continue. Luckily, no such bargains need be struck.
I want to set up my office in special ways, perhaps to duplicate the best parts of my house: flat screen TV, great stereo, fridge, microwave, massage chair, etc. After I make a million, I will.
Now back to reading that preparatory text for the Psychiatric board exams. Unnecessary, but fascinating.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
How To Ruin Your Life
I firmly believe that we create our lives. We sculpt and shape our realities as well as our futures, perhaps more than we may want to admit. Yes, chance plays a role, but chance won't continue to work against anyone. If you are constantly in the throws of calamity and crisis, it is far more likely that you have arranged your life to be filled with misery.
Are their styles of behavior which guarantee wretchedness? I believe so. Try these on:
1. Blame others. There is never a problem you face for which others are not directly culpable. Since other people are responsible for the problem, you are a victim. Victimhood is a marvelous space to occupy; it's so in to be downtrodden.
2. See the world in black-and-white. It is easier to have only two interpretations of reality. A person is good or bad; school either sucks or it doesn't, capitalism is either right or wrong. The simplicity of this feels so wonderfully unambiguous.
3. Hang around with chaotic people. Hey, nothing is more exciting than having a PigPen-like cloud of interpersonal debris orbiting you. Isn't an exciting life better than a boring one? And just think of all the people whose lives you will touch!
4. Do only what feels good. And why not! Isn't that what all of us deserve, to never suffer, feel any pain, do anything difficult, go the extra mile? Forget responsibility and remember, procrastination is its own reward.
5. Please others at all costs. Always think first of what those around you need. If you can make other people happy, what does it matter that you are taken advantage of and never get what you want?
6. Avoid goals. They just keep getting in the way! Set them low, if you must set goals at all. That way, they can be reached quickly and easily.
7. Evade exertion! Just relax. Chill. Knock down a few cold ones. Working requires so much time and energy. Besides, lethargy is soooo attractive to potential mates.
8. Believe words over actions. Everyone tells the truth, tries their best and would never deliberately hurt you. If someone means well, it doesn't matter if they keep letting you down. It's the thought that counts, right?
9. Choose risky, on-the-edge activities. Life is supposed to be exciting and glamorous, and you just can't be cool unless you're living on the edge. Lots of people do crazy stuff and nothing bad happens to them. Hey, even if it does, you can't stop fate!
10. Wallow. Nobody will love me. I'm not one of the beautiful people. I'm not rich. I'm not smart enough. I don't feel good. I can't help it. It won't ever get better. It's not my fault. There's nothing I can do! You know, complaining like that can be really cleansing. I feel better already!
This first appeared as a column in a weekly newspaper in 2004. Some changes were made.
Are their styles of behavior which guarantee wretchedness? I believe so. Try these on:
1. Blame others. There is never a problem you face for which others are not directly culpable. Since other people are responsible for the problem, you are a victim. Victimhood is a marvelous space to occupy; it's so in to be downtrodden.
2. See the world in black-and-white. It is easier to have only two interpretations of reality. A person is good or bad; school either sucks or it doesn't, capitalism is either right or wrong. The simplicity of this feels so wonderfully unambiguous.
3. Hang around with chaotic people. Hey, nothing is more exciting than having a PigPen-like cloud of interpersonal debris orbiting you. Isn't an exciting life better than a boring one? And just think of all the people whose lives you will touch!
4. Do only what feels good. And why not! Isn't that what all of us deserve, to never suffer, feel any pain, do anything difficult, go the extra mile? Forget responsibility and remember, procrastination is its own reward.
5. Please others at all costs. Always think first of what those around you need. If you can make other people happy, what does it matter that you are taken advantage of and never get what you want?
6. Avoid goals. They just keep getting in the way! Set them low, if you must set goals at all. That way, they can be reached quickly and easily.
7. Evade exertion! Just relax. Chill. Knock down a few cold ones. Working requires so much time and energy. Besides, lethargy is soooo attractive to potential mates.
8. Believe words over actions. Everyone tells the truth, tries their best and would never deliberately hurt you. If someone means well, it doesn't matter if they keep letting you down. It's the thought that counts, right?
9. Choose risky, on-the-edge activities. Life is supposed to be exciting and glamorous, and you just can't be cool unless you're living on the edge. Lots of people do crazy stuff and nothing bad happens to them. Hey, even if it does, you can't stop fate!
10. Wallow. Nobody will love me. I'm not one of the beautiful people. I'm not rich. I'm not smart enough. I don't feel good. I can't help it. It won't ever get better. It's not my fault. There's nothing I can do! You know, complaining like that can be really cleansing. I feel better already!
This first appeared as a column in a weekly newspaper in 2004. Some changes were made.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Which Part of You Will Win?
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.
"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
Pilfered Essay of the Day
(CareerBuilder.com) -- Many jobs have similar-sounding names, which can lead to confusion. Type in "ornithologist" when you meant to search the Web for an orthodontist and you'll find someone who can identify the bird in your yard, but not help with an overbite. Here are some other occupational mix-ups:
1. Aesthetician vs. anesthetist
Aesthetician (also spelled esthetician) Laurie Neronha of Rhode Island is used to people asking what hospital she works at -- even though she is not in the health-care industry. "I do not put people out, unless they get really relaxed!" Neronha jokes. As a licensed skin-care professional, she gives facials, peels and other treatments. Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, on the other hand, are medical professionals trained to administer anesthesia.
2. Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist vs. optician
Speaking of people in the health-care industry, who do you go to when you need new glasses? Most of the time that would be an optometrist -- a person with a doctor of optometry degree who examines people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and prescribe corrective treatment. An ophthalmologist can do these things too, but these licensed physicians are better known for treating eye diseases and injuries and performing surgery. An optician is the person who fits and adjusts eyeglasses.
3. Psychiatrist vs. psychologist
Like the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist, a medical degree is one of the primary things distinguishing a psychiatrist from a psychologist. Both professionals are concerned with mental health and can have an individual practice or be employed by an organization. Depending on their focus, both may do research, conduct psychological testing or see patients for therapy sessions. In all but a few states, however, only psychiatrists can prescribe drugs.
4. Athletic trainer vs. personal trainer
Myke Triebold of Niceville, Florida, wishes that people would have a better understanding of what it takes to be an athletic trainer. "I graduated from Penn State with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. I then returned as a graduate student to complete my training as a certified athletic trainer." While her duties include "complete oversight of the medical needs of athletic teams, including being the first on the scene for injuries, injury evaluation and physical rehabilitation," people often assume she does the same thing as a personal trainer -- someone who works with individuals or small groups to help them reach fitness goals.
5. Sociologist vs. social worker
"Social workers often work with individuals to help them overcome problems in their lives. In contrast, sociologists often study the social forces that give rise to so many people in society having all kinds of social problems," says Tim Madigan, associate professor of sociology at Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Because they work with the public in such an intimate way -- doing everything from advocacy to interventions -- states have various licensing requirements for social workers. Sociologists traditionally hold academic degrees and often use their keen observation and interpretation skills in fields such as research, marketing, public policy and education.
6. Information architect vs. architect
Both jobs have concerns about order and structure, but unlike architects, you won't find an information architect designing any houses or buildings. Instead, information architects specialize in the design and construction of shared information environments. They make digital content (such as software and websites) easier and better to use.
7. Genealogist vs. geologist vs. gynecologist
Poor Janice Sellers. This professional genealogist from Oakland, California, says she has been mistaken for a geologist (someone who studies Earth's materials) as well as for a gynecologist (a physician specializing in the female reproductive system). She is actually someone who researches family history.
8. Copywriter vs. copyright lawyer
Nichole Bazemore of Atlanta, Georgia, also has had her share of title confusion. "I'm a copywriter -- a person who writes sales and marketing copy. You can't imagine how many people say, upon hearing that, 'Oh, I plan to publish a book next year and I'll need a good copyright lawyer.'" (They may indeed need a copyright lawyer, as that is a person who can help with establishing ownership of creative works -- just don't call Bazemore.)
9. Publisher vs. publicist
Aspiring writers also may want to be sure to know the difference between a publisher (a person in the business of publishing books or other material) and a publicist (a person hired to help a client get media attention).
10. Ghostwriter vs. writer of ghost stories
1. Aesthetician vs. anesthetist
Aesthetician (also spelled esthetician) Laurie Neronha of Rhode Island is used to people asking what hospital she works at -- even though she is not in the health-care industry. "I do not put people out, unless they get really relaxed!" Neronha jokes. As a licensed skin-care professional, she gives facials, peels and other treatments. Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists, on the other hand, are medical professionals trained to administer anesthesia.
2. Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist vs. optician
Speaking of people in the health-care industry, who do you go to when you need new glasses? Most of the time that would be an optometrist -- a person with a doctor of optometry degree who examines people's eyes to diagnose vision problems and prescribe corrective treatment. An ophthalmologist can do these things too, but these licensed physicians are better known for treating eye diseases and injuries and performing surgery. An optician is the person who fits and adjusts eyeglasses.
3. Psychiatrist vs. psychologist
Like the difference between an ophthalmologist and an optometrist, a medical degree is one of the primary things distinguishing a psychiatrist from a psychologist. Both professionals are concerned with mental health and can have an individual practice or be employed by an organization. Depending on their focus, both may do research, conduct psychological testing or see patients for therapy sessions. In all but a few states, however, only psychiatrists can prescribe drugs.
4. Athletic trainer vs. personal trainer
Myke Triebold of Niceville, Florida, wishes that people would have a better understanding of what it takes to be an athletic trainer. "I graduated from Penn State with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. I then returned as a graduate student to complete my training as a certified athletic trainer." While her duties include "complete oversight of the medical needs of athletic teams, including being the first on the scene for injuries, injury evaluation and physical rehabilitation," people often assume she does the same thing as a personal trainer -- someone who works with individuals or small groups to help them reach fitness goals.
5. Sociologist vs. social worker
"Social workers often work with individuals to help them overcome problems in their lives. In contrast, sociologists often study the social forces that give rise to so many people in society having all kinds of social problems," says Tim Madigan, associate professor of sociology at Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. Because they work with the public in such an intimate way -- doing everything from advocacy to interventions -- states have various licensing requirements for social workers. Sociologists traditionally hold academic degrees and often use their keen observation and interpretation skills in fields such as research, marketing, public policy and education.
6. Information architect vs. architect
Both jobs have concerns about order and structure, but unlike architects, you won't find an information architect designing any houses or buildings. Instead, information architects specialize in the design and construction of shared information environments. They make digital content (such as software and websites) easier and better to use.
7. Genealogist vs. geologist vs. gynecologist
Poor Janice Sellers. This professional genealogist from Oakland, California, says she has been mistaken for a geologist (someone who studies Earth's materials) as well as for a gynecologist (a physician specializing in the female reproductive system). She is actually someone who researches family history.
8. Copywriter vs. copyright lawyer
Nichole Bazemore of Atlanta, Georgia, also has had her share of title confusion. "I'm a copywriter -- a person who writes sales and marketing copy. You can't imagine how many people say, upon hearing that, 'Oh, I plan to publish a book next year and I'll need a good copyright lawyer.'" (They may indeed need a copyright lawyer, as that is a person who can help with establishing ownership of creative works -- just don't call Bazemore.)
9. Publisher vs. publicist
Aspiring writers also may want to be sure to know the difference between a publisher (a person in the business of publishing books or other material) and a publicist (a person hired to help a client get media attention).
10. Ghostwriter vs. writer of ghost stories
One last mistake from the editorial world: When freelance writer Cynthia MacGregor of Palm Springs, Florida, advertises her services as a ghostwriter some people take the "ghost" part the wrong way. "I've been approached by people who think I am looking for stories to write about haunted houses and the like," MacGregor states. A ghostwriter is actually someone paid to write for someone else under that person's name.
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