October 11, 2008
Quote of the Day from "If the Buddha Got Stuck"
Today's quote is from If the Buddha Got Stuck by Charlotte Kasl, Ph.D.
"The human mind likes a strange idea as little as the body like a strange protein and resists it with a similar energy."
- W. I. Beveridge, Scientist
It's a cool book so far.
Posted by Selena at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2008
RRN: "Steering by Starlight"
Reading Right Now: "Steering by Starlight" by Martha Beck
Actually, I'm not so much "reading [it] right now" as I have just finished it and am going back through to re-read my favorite parts.
This book is so good that it made me want to read everything Martha Beck has ever written. Even before I started the book, I was a fan of Beck's from her columns in Oprah magazine. Now, I love her even more.
I knew the book was affecting me when I caught myself assessing the "shackles off or shackles on" feeling of various moments and situations. And again when I started recognizing the ravings of my inner lizard—that fearful, panicked part of my brain that is always alerting me to potential "lack and attack." (Otherwise known as the amygdala, the fear center of the brain.)
One of the most fascinating parts of the book, for me, was reading about "shaman sickness" (pages 154-159). I have to admit though that I was a little weirded out by how closely I fit the profile of a shaman (or potential shaman). Seriously, the only thing I'm missing is a miserable childhood. I read the list of characteristics usually shared by shamans, contrarians, and medicine people, and my inner lizard started screaming, "Oh, no, you don't! Don't be looking at me like that. I know you are NOT looking at me."
I like this book so much I'm going to have to update my Recommended Books page so I can add it.
Posted by Selena at 08:45 AM | Comments (0)
June 22, 2008
Tough Week (but Two Good Books)
It's been a tough week. First, Lily was sick. (Who knew so much vomit could come out of such a small child?!) Then Sharon was sick. Then yesterday I was sick, although not as badly. In truth, I think my "illness" wasn't a stomach virus so much as it was my stomach throwing a tantrum over all the junk food I've been feeding it lately. "Okay, Grumpy Tummy, message received."
One of the downsides to all the sickness going around this week is that I hardly got anything on my to-do list done. But there was an upside: I did a lot of non-work reading, i.e. not submissions or critiques but actual books that I have been meaning to read.
Yesterday I finally finished Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. Such a great book. So enlightening, so vital, so helpful. The weird thing is that the book is ten years old. The copy I have is a "tenth anniversary edition." So, what I want to know is: why didn't anyone in all my years of education make me read this sooner?
I have two more books on Emotional Intelligence sitting on my to-read stack. It's such a fascinating topic.
Instead of reading one of those, I chose to go with The Writing Diet by Julia Cameron. I like the idea of turning to writing instead of food when in distress. It's a skill I need to learn. Hopefully it will help with two of my problems: my seriously lacking productivity in regards to my writing, and my tendency to eat too much and all the wrong things. So far, the book has been very interesting and helpful. I think I am going to have to get that other book of hers, The Artist's Way. I've been coveting it for a while now. Maybe someone will give it to me for my birthday. ;)
Posted by Selena at 06:59 AM | Comments (0)
March 05, 2008
Interesting Articles on "Me"-ness vs. Happiness
Sorry, I meant to blog about this days ago but forgot.
Recently, I came across this good article in The Washington Post about how me-centered thinking and entitlement make people miserable instead of happy.
Sounds like a no-brainer, right?
Then why do we as a society tend to teach our kids that they are the center of the universe and are entitled to get whatever they want?
It's fascinating and counter-intuitive that focusing so much on instilling self-esteem has backfired and may actually do more harm than good.
It reminds me of an article I recently read in Oprah Magazine called "The New and Improved Self-Esteem" (by Aimee Lee Ball).
Sadly, the article isn't available online. I checked. It was in the January 2008 issue if you can get your hands on it. (All the website has of the article is the sidebar, which is good but not the meat of the thing.)
Here are the two quotes from the Oprah article that I found most interesting:
"There's no question you get the best results from highly contingent praise and criticism," says [Roy] Baumeister [PhD, professor of psychology at Florida State University]. "That means praising exactly what you did right and criticizing exactly what you did wrong." [emphasis mine]
That makes sense to me. So why have we fallen so far away from doing that? I guess because we are so afraid of hurting someone's feelings. Key phrase: "highly contingent."
"[Carol] Dweck's studies clearly show that when children are told they're brilliant, they often start thinking of effort as a sign of stupidity."[Dweck, PhD, is professor of psychology at Stanford University.]
That explains a lot!
I encourage you to check out both of these fascinating reads.
Posted by Selena at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)
December 15, 2007
Blog Jewels
Last night I was too tired to work, but still had to be awake for the baby-watching, so I ended up surfing. I found some jewels and wanted to share them:
Grendel, The Misanthropic Dog: this blog is from the point of view of a dog. So sweet and entertaining.
That led me to this blog post from one of Grendel's friends, a dog named BlackStar. What a great story about an "incident!"
I also like to read RevGalBlogPals. Yesterday's "Friday Five" turned up all kinds of good responses at various member blogs. But this response from Eternal Echoes particularly got me:
Under the heading of "what makes you rejoice about Jesus' coming," this blogger wrote:
"That God should come amongst us in the form of a baby,
born to a poor family...
That God should choose vulnerability..."
Wow. Thinking of Jesus, the Son of God, as a vulnerable baby… And that he chose that as his way into the world… What does that tell us?
Wow. Just wow.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Posted by Selena at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)
December 07, 2007
Totally Likable Dell
Speaking of unlikable men, here is one for the likable men list: Dell from Private Practice.
Normally, young and blonde is not my type. But Dell is quickly becoming my favorite character on Private Practice. Dell distinguished himself in the episode where he brought Naomi cake day after day, and he told the other men the secret to dealing successfully with women: "Figure out what they want, then give it to them." (I'm not sure that is an exact quote since it's from memory.) Turns out, young Dell knows women.
Then in the most recent episode Dell confessed his feelings for Naomi to her ex-husband and then to her. Whoa! Dell's the underdog in the fight for Naomi's affections, but I'm pulling for him. Great moment when he told Naomi's ex-husband: "I guarantee you, I wouldn't make her cry." Add that to Dell's lessons on dealing with women. It sounds so simple, but in truth that and cake goes a long way. ;)
Also, the funniest part of this week's "Private Practice" was the lead in from the previous show, a Christmas special: "Santa's left behind a new Private Practice. (Heehee.) Of course, the EW.com recap had to remind us that "at the conclusion of the episode, Santa Rhimes went on strike." Bummer. I had forgotten about that.
Posted by Selena at 09:59 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2007
Super Shrew
I've been meaning to blog about how great The Taming of the Shrew was in DC, but the week just got away from me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It's a gorgeous production. Plus it's funny, as most productions of Shrew are. This production is even a bit romantic, which you don't always get with this difficult play. If you have a chance to see the show, I encourage you to do so. You aren't likely to get another opportunity to see a Shrew this good.
There are so many great moments in this production; I couldn't begin to list them all. There is one in fact that I won't detail because it would spoil the surprise. All I will say is that the text just indicates Petruchio is inappropriately dressed when he arrives for his wedding. It doesn't say what he is wearing, and it didn't prepare me for what Taichman and company did with the opportunity.
My favorite moment, however, is when Petruchio and Kate first meet. Kate walks by Petruchio and she literally slows down and turns back to have another look. It's a beautiful, romantic moment. I only wish I could have been watching Petruchio at the same time so I could have seen if he was equally smitten. It's a real "love at first sight" moment. I always thought the play needed that to make all that comes later believable.
The chemistry between Petruchio and Kate is palpable, which is another element I consider critical to the success of a production of Shrew. Plus, Christopher Innvar somehow makes Petruchio likeable, despite the way Petruchio bullies and manhandles Kate. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Innvar is so handsome.
Still, Petruchio manhandles Kate a little too much for tastes. But that's part of the play, and it's tough to get around. In this production, I found it a little odd to watch Petruchio best Kate physically because Charlayne Woodard, who plays Kate, has arm muscles like a bodybuilder. It kept reminding me of that scene in "What's Love Got to Do with It" where Ike is roughing up Tina, and Angela Bassett's muscular arms are shown off by her sleeveless top, and all I could think is "She could totally beat the daylights out of him! Why doesn't she?" Likewise, in this Shrew it was a little hard for me to believe that Petruchio could so easily out-brawl Kate. I kept waiting for her to punch him really hard right in the face. It might not knock him out, 'cause Petruchio's a big guy, but it would certainly stun him long enough for Kate to run away. But she doesn't, of course. I guess I could refer to my "favorite moment" above for a hint about why.
Kate's speech at the end is probably the toughest in the play. It's a real problem—especially for a female, maybe even feminist, director. But Taichman pulls it off.
I especially enjoyed how Petruchio handed Kate the money after winning the bet. It's a choice I recommended back in college when I wrote a paper on how to produce a feminist Shrew. I remember my professor called the choice "problematic." Whatever. I still believe the gesture is crucial to re-establishing balance between Kate and Petruchio, and showing that despite public appearances to the contrary they are equal partners in the game. Certainly, I'm not laying claim to the idea. I'm probably not even the first one who suggested it. But it was still lovely that this successful director, who I have come to admire so much, made one of the same choices I would have made. It was a little moment of personal validation for me.
This "Taming of the Shrew" is worth flying a thousand miles for. I'm certainly glad I made the trip. If I was still in DC, I'd go see it again.
Posted by Selena at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)
October 05, 2007
More Articles on "Shrew"
The more I hear about Taichman's production of "The Taming of the Shrew," the more I am looking forward to seeing it. (Won't be long now. Yeah!)
Here are some interesting articles about the show:
A 'Shrew' That's Tamed But Wildly Entertaining
I think it's interesting that Marks mentions the importance of casting. I always thought the casting of Kate and Petruchio is particularly critical to this play's success. I think that to make the show work, you've got to have obvious chemistry between those two characters.
Of course, I also believed that to make the show work you couldn't set it in modern times. I figured that the play only really made sense in a strongly patriarchal society and our modern society just isn't anymore. (Thank goodness.) But it sounds like maybe Ms. Taichman and crew are proving me wrong.
In the Upcoming 'Shrew,' Love Is for Redder or for Worse"
"Lipstick-red stage." If the words don't grab your attention, check out the photo. Also, I can't remember ever hearing the phrase "drop-dead sexy" used in reference to "Shrew" before. Love that.
'Taming' a Tough Role
It’s fascinating to me that Charlayne Woodard's initial response to the idea of playing Kate was "No." I'm glad she changed her mind.
All three articles are from The Washington Post because that's where I get my WDC news. :) Actually, even though I no longer live in DC, The Washington Post is still my main news source. Old habits die hard, I guess.
Posted by Selena at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2007
Cool Article on Shrew
Today I came across this interesting article on the production of "The Taming of the Shrew" that I am looking forward to:
It's not often you hear this particular Shakespeare play referred to as "modern."
Posted by Selena at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2007
Can't Wait for Shrew
I am so excited about the upcoming production of "The Taming of the Shrew" in my beloved Washington, DC. Shrew is my favorite Shakespeare play, and it's one that is hardly ever produced. Just having the chance to see it is a rare opportunity.
Ever since I studied the play in college, I have believed it is possible to produce a Shrew that is both romantic and feminist. I don't imagine it would be easy. There are formidable challenges, like a text that seems misogynist and archaic to a modern audience. I have never seen a production that manages to overcome that, but I am still hopeful that it can be done.
After listening to director Rebecca Bayla Taichman talk about the upcoming production, I am even more hopeful. If a romantic, feminist production of Shrew can be had, Ms. Taichman seems exactly the woman to pull it off. At the theatre's website, you can see video of her talking about the show, or listen to the podcast version.
Listen to the part where she talks about what being a shrew means. I love how she points out that Kate is silent through much of the play in direct opposition to her shrewish label. I was nodding my head when she said that.
As I studied Shrew, one of the things that appealed to me was the tension between this woman who is labeled "shrew" and the fact that she is not the most shrewish person in the play. Petruchio out-shrews Kate more than once. I think he must do it on purpose because it has two very positive results: 1) it puts the townspeople on Kate's side for a change (against Petruchio, her new husband, who behaves appallingly at their wedding), and 2) it gives Kate the opportunity to redefine her role (suddenly she is the one defending the servants from abuse, Petruchio's abuse).
I am also pleased that the notes on the website quote Coppelia Kahn. I think it was her "Man's Estate" I read back in the day, but what Coppelia Kahn has to add to the Shrew equation is the insight that Kate truly holds the power over Petruchio despite her submission to him at the end. Actually it is because of her submission. Kate doesn't need Petruchio. But Petruchio needs Kate. He needs her submission to validate him as an adult male in the strongly patriarchal society of the play. Without a wife who submits to him, Petruchio is a marginalized member of society. Only through his successful "taming" of a wife can he be respected. That is a key piece to understanding the play.
Don't miss the video where Taichman wrestles with the question of whether Shrew is "a great love story or a sexist put-down?" In her wisdom, she declares that it is both -- and much more.
I can't wait to see the show. I've got my tickets. How about you? Really, when do you think you'll have another opportunity to see "The Taming of the Shrew?" It could be awhile.
Posted by Selena at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)
August 31, 2007
Fascinating Article on the "Spotlight Effect"
I came across this article recently and found it very interesting:
" The Cure for Self-Consciousness"
I particularly like this part:
" Our distorted perceptions mean we not only exaggerate the impact of our errors but also undersell our inspirations and contributions."
And the bit under it about mumbling.
Hmm. My husband often accuses me of mumbling. I had thought maybe he was a little hearing-impaired, but now I wonder if the "spotlight effect" might have something to do with it.
Posted by Selena at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2007
Quote of the Day
Today's quote is from a bumper sticker:
"You don't have to believe everything you think."
I'm no sure what to make of that exactly, but it speaks to me on some level.
Posted by Selena at 10:17 PM | Comments (0)
Fascinating Experiment on Art Out of Context
I came across this article via Mir's blog:
I don't know (or even know of) Joshua Bell but I gather from the article that I should have heard of him. My husband immediately recognized the name. Turns out he actually knows him. They've worked together or something.
Anyway, it's a great article and a fascinating experiment. I wonder what I would have done if I had been passing through L'Enfant Plaza while this wildly famous, highly accomplished violinist was playing.
The article also made me homesick. I don't live in the Washington, DC area anymore but I still consider it my hometown. And one of the things I miss most about DC is the Metro. Really and truly.
Posted by Selena at 08:31 AM | Comments (2)
March 31, 2007
What People Think-Part 2, Some Answers
Okay, here is what Google had to say on the topic of how not to care about what people think of you.
WikiHow
Some good advice in there.
My agapic life
This blog post is great for its Dairy Queen story.
But my favorite so far is this quote from steelhamster at answerbag:
If people think of me, Im flattered, wether it be for good or ill... although lets face it, how could anyone say a bad word about me, I'm so wonderful ;-) Oscar Wilde said it best, "there is only one thing worse than people talking about you, its people not talking about you.
Steelhamster clearly has a handle on this thing! ;)
Posted by Selena at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)
What People Think
There is so much on my mind today that I don't know where to start or which one to blog about first. So, I guess I'll just pick one at random and go from there.
Topic #1: I have been thinking that I am entirely too concerned with what other people think of me.
Seriously, for the last week or so I have been noticing how much "what will people think" comes into play as I go about my daily life. A case in point: One of my cats has to take antibiotics twice a day for a little while. He is not keen on the idea and struggles like the dickens when I try to give him the medicine. I have to (try to) wrap him in a towel, pin him down with both of my legs while I pry open his mouth with one hand and squirt in the meds with the other. It's a real drama. Before I realized that I should throw on a heavy second layer of clothes before attempting the med-giving, the process resulted in a good many scratches on my legs and arms.
No big deal, right? Except that the next day I had an appointment with the dermatologist for a much overdue skin check. So, instead of being worried that one of my many moles, bumps, etc. may be skin cancer, what I obsessed about was what the doctor would think about all my scratches. How dumb is that? What? Am I afraid he's not going to believe the cat story? Why do I care? Looking back I hate to think of all the energy I spent worrying about a stranger's first impression of me.
As I thought about the topic I remembered how sometimes I won't tell certain people about a story I've had published because I am afraid something in the story will offend them. I'm afraid they will see me differently and not want to be around me anymore.
Occassionaly the censorship begins even before a story is published. Sometimes it prevents me from submitting it at all. Some stories never leave my hands because I am afraid of how people will react, afraid that someone somewhere will be offended or think badly of me.
It even comes into play on my blog. Recently I got a comment from someone at a business I had blogged about. They said they loved my comments about their business, but I was suspicious. After all, I didn't consider my musings about their business to be complimentary. So, I figured they were being sarcastic, that they were really angry and would demand I remove the post. It was a weird conversation because they were actually sincere in their interest and approval of my comments, while I just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
I don’t know why or how I ended up so obsessed with other people's opinions of me, but I'm starting to think it is hampering my growth as a writer and person, and perhaps even damaging my health. (Don't get me started on the most recent tests of my blood pressure! That's a whole 'nother topic.)
Perhaps the most frustrating part is that I don't know how to fix it. How do you stop caring what people think of you? I don't know. (Well, maybe actually posting this is a step in the right direction.) I'm open to ideas and suggestions. Anyone know a good "cure" for my "condition?"
It's not that I want to be completely uncaring. I still agree with the value of reputation. I still want to keep my "good name." I just want to be a little less driven by what other people think of me.
I guess I need to start researching potential "cures." I'm off to Google for internet wisdom on this topic. (Love the Google.)
Posted by Selena at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2007
Two Good Articles
For your non-fiction reading, here are two interesting articles that I enjoyed reading today:
Study: Napping Regularly Fights Heart Disease
Any study that justifies my nap addiction is cool by me.
Plus there's…
Plagued With Relationship Troubles? Blame Your Parents
I'm not one for blaming my parents for all my problems, but I found this a fascinating read anyway. (My parents have always been great, by the way.)
It's interesting how this study inverts conventional wisdom. Instead of those who try to cope on their own…
"It is the people who are confident enough to reach out to others for help -- and to whom help is given -- who become truly capable of independence."
Reason enough to phone a friend.
Posted by Selena at 08:25 PM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2006
Article on Gift-Giving Mishaps
Here's an interesting article about gift-giving mishaps. I find it fascinating that being especially close to someone makes it more likely you'll mess up.
"In the Holiday Gift Forecast? Brain Freeze"
Check out this quote:
"Recent research…shows that…· Almost half of all lovers are worse at predicting their partner's heart's desire than a stranger who simply uses average gender-specific preferences.
· In addition, the more you know about your inamorata, the worse your success rate is likely to get."
Isn't that wild? It seems that part of the problem is that we think we know everything there is to know about that most important person in our lives and thus we ignore any new information that comes along. Also, we tend to overestimate the similarities between ourselves and our partners.
That's intriguing stuff!
I think I did okay with hubby's gift though since I got him something recent evidence suggests he will like. Plus I know it's something I don't like. So clearly I didn't buy it based on my preferences, which is a common mistake.
We'll have to wait and see what happens on Christmas morning. Here's hoping.
Posted by Selena at 09:11 AM | Comments (0)
December 18, 2006
Radical Non-Consumption
I came across this fascinating article today about a group of people who have vowed not to buy anything new for a year, with very few exceptions.
"Nothing New Here – and That's the Point"
It's an interesting counter-point to the rampant consumerism in our culture, especially during in the holiday season.
One person put the "don't buy" approach this way: "we're simply trying to bring less . . . into our house."
I like that. As someone who moved recently, I am all too aware of the amount of stuff we tend to accumulate. I don't think I have the dedication and strength of will for the "buy nothing new" plan, but I am at least going to try to buy less.
Truth is, I already buy less than most people. Most of my buying splurges are on dining out, which is allowed on the "buy nothing new" plan since it is food. But I could afford to cut back more. Just getting all my books at the library would help a lot. I have long since run out of space on my bookshelf. (Newer books are stacked in my closet next to T-shirts and sweaters. It's sad, I know.)
The article reminds me of a scifi book and movie, I think it is "Brave New World," where the workers constantly hear exhortations to buy. I wish I could remember the catch phrases that played repeatedly on the speakers, but they all boiled down to things like "Newer is Better," and "Don't mend, spend."
Does anyone remember the book/movie I'm talking about?
Let's see if I can get through today without buying anything.
Posted by Selena at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2006
Marketing Ploy or Human Behavior Experiment?
Check out this article in The Washington Post.
So…is that shrewd marketing by Starbucks or a fascinating experiment in human behavior?
Actually, I think it's both.
Only problem is now that the tactic has been publicized, future results are unreliable. Are the people responding now good Samaritans or just savvy folks out to get some free coffee?
Posted by Selena at 09:43 AM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2006
Subtle Stereotype Triggers Can Affect Performance
Wow. I am becoming a big fan of Shankar Vedantam's column in The Washington Post. It's called "Department of Human Behavior" and I've posted about his articles before. (See "Apologies and Insanity" and "Birds of a Feather")
Today's article is more fascinating reading.
"With Subtle Reminders, Stereotypes Can Become Self-Fulfilling"
The article talks about how subtly reminding people of their gender or ethnicity can cause them to act more in accordance with associated stereotypes.
For instance, ask a group of women their stance on co-ed housing, a topic that triggers a recognition of their gender, and they are more likely to express a preference for art over math than a control group of women who are asked a question that did not involve gender.
And it works for both positive and negative stereotypes. Check out this quote from the article:
"When 5- to 7-year-old and 11- to 13-year-old Asian girls are subtly reminded of their Asian identity, they do better at math tests; when subtly reminded about their sex, they do worse."
Freaky huh?
I have long believed that we are affected by more than we realize and in ways we don't realize. (See my essay "Osmosis.") But this is new.
Reading the article I sensed it was somehow related to why I am so annoyed by how the people at the church I've been trying out keep asking me if my husband will be attending and would he attend if this and would he be interested in this other church function. I don't like being dealt with as if my gender and marital status are the only important things about me. Maybe being constantly reminded of those things and the associated stereotypes is what is bothering me about those church interactions. I haven't completely parsed my thoughts on the matter.
Vedantam's article has given me even more to think about.
I highly recommend you give his article a read.
Posted by Selena at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
Birds of a Feather
For today's good non-fiction reading, check out this article from The Washington Post:
"Why Everyone You Know Thinks the Same as You"
My favorite part:
"I often hear people say with absolute certainty that whoever they are in favor of is obviously going to do well because they haven't talked to 'anyone' who supports the other person" in the election, said Lynn Smith-Lovin, a Duke University sociologist who has studied homophily. She rolled her eyes and said, "Oh yeah, sure! That is a good argument."
That's hilarious! And so ridiculously true.
Making mental note to seek out more people who aren't like me…
Posted by Selena at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)
September 25, 2006
Today's Good Reading-Apologies and Insanity
Here are a couple articles that I enjoyed today. One is serious and interesting. The other is hilarious…and interesting.
Apologies Accepted? It Depends on the Offense
From The Washington Post
How to Act Insane
From WikiHow
I particularly like the warnings, like NEVER appear dangerous to yourself or others. This article had me laughing out loud. It also reminded me of this time when I was in an acting class and someone asked the brilliant and brave question: "How do you get over the fear of looking stupid?" The teacher recommended acting a little crazy in public places. Harmless crazy, of course. Don't forget those important warnings.
Posted by Selena at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2006
Unconscious Bias-Part 2
Here’s that article I was telling you about a few posts ago:
Really interesting stuff!
Posted by Selena at 07:57 PM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
Unconscious Bias
Yesterday I was reading Scientific American – both for fun and for story ideas :) – and found a great article called “The Implicit Prejudice.” It’s about the biases and prejudices we hold even when we don’t realize it. Or to quote the article: “underneath our awareness, our minds automatically make connections and ignore contradictory information.” The article is also about how we acquire these biases by what we are exposed to.
(I kind of wish I’d read this before I submitted “Osmosis” to Haruah. It would have fit in perfectly with my essay.)
I would like to point you to the article online but it’s in the June issue, which doesn’t seem to be on their website yet. But maybe later it will be there. It would be under the “Insight” section of the current issue (once the current issue is June 2006).
Actually if you can’t wait, it looks like you can buy an electronic issue online now here.
Something that is currently available online for free is this related website, mentioned in the article, where you can test your biases:
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/
It’s called an implicit association test (IAT). The site lists several. I’ve already done two. The Gender-Science test showed that I have a slight association of female with science and male with liberal arts, which is perhaps unusual but in my case not all that surprising since I’m a woman who loves science.
Posted by Selena at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2006
“Osmosis” up at Haruah
My editorial/essay is now up at Haruah.
(Is it still called an editorial if I’m not an editor there? I don’t know.)
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:11 AM | Comments (0)
April 22, 2006
Negative Talk
I particularly enjoyed this recent column at Sword Review:
Sar-caustic Venom: the Enemy Within” by Cameron Walker.
I have been known to be grumpy and to fall into the habit of negative talk and sarcasm. I am trying to do better. I try to only speak what is both true and helpful. But it’s not easy.
Our culture seems infatuated with criticism. It’s commonplace for us to try to show how witty and intelligent we are by degrading others, by pointing out everyone else’s flaws. I suppose we do it so people won’t notice our own failures.
Cameron mentions this verse from the Bible:
"Let no unwholesome speech come out of your mouth but only what is useful for the edification of others.” (Ephesians 4:29)
I am going to try to remember that as I go through my day.
Posted by Selena at 09:08 AM | Comments (0)