This that photos and memage
Feb. 19th, 2024 08:48 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadowkatDidn't get much done during the last four days. Outside of laundry, and well, the CPAP was delivered. (I've no idea how to use it - but it's been delivered. And I have a panic attack whenever I consider using it. But hey, at least it's taking up space in my bedroom at the moment. So yay, team. I'm sure lots of other people use this thing perfectly fine, but so far I have no clue how. Nor do I particularly want to - the thing smells like day old socks. And looks like a gas mask from an old 1950s sci-fi movie. The doctor had promised me a sleep neurologist and a fitting, so far, all I've gotten is the mask - and that was an ordeal all by itself. They delivered the mask to the Mini Mart, six blocks away, where I walked to pick it up this morning. I'm going to worry about it next weekend - since I kind of need to sleep this week, and that's going to give me insomina and nightmares.)
Got hooked on Fire Country - which is a comforting relationship drama/search and rescue procedural. Emphasis on the relationship drama. I'd say it has a lot in common with Sullivan's Crossing and Virgin River? More than say 9-1-1?
The 2nd season is on CBS, first season on Paramount Plus. Lovely thing about streaming is you can catch up on things.
Almost done with the novella, The Great God Pan, which kind of reminds me of various other gothic horror novels of that time period (early 20th Century) - where the monsters are really well-to-do men experimenting on young women, and blaming them for the horrors they've brought forth as a result of the experimentation. Like most horror - the monsters are well, men.
It's kind of written in the same vein as The Haunting of Hill House, and The Willows, in that we don't really see the monsters, so much as the reactions of those that see them. Similar to Donna Tartt's tactic in The Secret History - where the ritual is left to our imagination as is what happened during it - we know it was horrific, but the writer lets the reader's imagination fill in the blanks - realizing, and rightly so, that the reader can come up with far worse than the writer could.
Flirting with submitting one of my photos or watercolors to the Brooklyn Museum of Art Open Exhibition. Where all artists in the Brooklyn can apply, you just have to be over 18, and residing in Brooklyn, with a work of art to submit from 2019-2024. I'm thinking of either submitting pandemic Sunflower, or one of the people I saw on the subway. The deadline is April.
So I have time.
Was going to do the taxes today, but I had to update my computer's software to Mac OS 12.2 or above, to use Turbo Tax. And I'd bought the Turbo Tax software in November. I sometimes think the software engineers are in cahoots with each other.
Frustration has resulted in bad eating habits, and alcohol consummation. Not a lot. But more than I should imbue. I'll be alright, I'm just annoyed with myself is all.
Anyhow, here's a few pictures.
Almost forgot the whole point of the entry..memage..
* Have You Ever Performed for an Audience or Shared Creative Work With Others?
Yes. And considering doing it again.
* Should Terminally Ill Patients Be Allowed to Die on Their Own Terms?
Yes. Euthansia. I even wrote a paper arguing for it in law school. Two topics I researched and wrote papers on in law school, euthansia and the removal of a vegetative feeding tube, and abortion.
People should have the right to deny extraordinary medical measures. My grandparents and parents have living wills. I need to put one in place. My brother also has one.
* How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior?
By their parents and principal caregivers - but there's a lot of horrible parents and caregivers out there. Also a lot of bad teachers and authority figures. But by adults in charge of their care. And definitely not their peer group - anyone who has ever been bullied in school knows that there is [ETA: for many people] no such thing as a good peer group. [ETA: I'm certain there are exceptions as there are in anything. Count yourselves lucky. I shouldn't generalize. However? Bullying and bad peer behavior unfortunately is more common than otherwise.]
* Do You Like to Exercise?
No. Unfortunately. I like to walk. I used to like to run and swim, but neither is possible any longer. Most exercise is boring.
* What Places Do You Remember Fondly From Childhood?
Florida Keys (we visited them as a kid), Valley Forge, the woods in my backyard in West Chester, PA. Sailing in Maine. Philadelphia Science Museum. Walt Disney World (we visited it frequently as a kid in the 1970s). Hershey Park (amusement park with a huge wooden roller coaster). Horseback riding in Colorado at Lane Guest Ranch. Theater for Young America in Overland Park, Kansas.
* Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art?
Of course. I live in NYC - I've seen it. Even saw a film on it once in a folklore course.
* Do You Believe in Ghosts?
I don't know - I remain forever agnostic on the subject.
I've felt energy - whether it's a ghost or not, I've no clue. Have I seen them? Doubtful. Maybe? Couldn't say for certain.
A couple of family members have. So has my sister-in-law. I just feel the energy disturbance, then get the hell out of there - without exploring further.
* Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful?
I'm not sure what this means? Are television shows too plentiful to be meaningful? Are books too plentiful to be meaningful? I mean come on. What's being plentiful have to do with meaning? Just because we have a lot of something doesn't mean it lacks meaning?
Got hooked on Fire Country - which is a comforting relationship drama/search and rescue procedural. Emphasis on the relationship drama. I'd say it has a lot in common with Sullivan's Crossing and Virgin River? More than say 9-1-1?
The 2nd season is on CBS, first season on Paramount Plus. Lovely thing about streaming is you can catch up on things.
Almost done with the novella, The Great God Pan, which kind of reminds me of various other gothic horror novels of that time period (early 20th Century) - where the monsters are really well-to-do men experimenting on young women, and blaming them for the horrors they've brought forth as a result of the experimentation. Like most horror - the monsters are well, men.
It's kind of written in the same vein as The Haunting of Hill House, and The Willows, in that we don't really see the monsters, so much as the reactions of those that see them. Similar to Donna Tartt's tactic in The Secret History - where the ritual is left to our imagination as is what happened during it - we know it was horrific, but the writer lets the reader's imagination fill in the blanks - realizing, and rightly so, that the reader can come up with far worse than the writer could.
Flirting with submitting one of my photos or watercolors to the Brooklyn Museum of Art Open Exhibition. Where all artists in the Brooklyn can apply, you just have to be over 18, and residing in Brooklyn, with a work of art to submit from 2019-2024. I'm thinking of either submitting pandemic Sunflower, or one of the people I saw on the subway. The deadline is April.
So I have time.
Was going to do the taxes today, but I had to update my computer's software to Mac OS 12.2 or above, to use Turbo Tax. And I'd bought the Turbo Tax software in November. I sometimes think the software engineers are in cahoots with each other.
Frustration has resulted in bad eating habits, and alcohol consummation. Not a lot. But more than I should imbue. I'll be alright, I'm just annoyed with myself is all.
Anyhow, here's a few pictures.
Almost forgot the whole point of the entry..memage..
* Have You Ever Performed for an Audience or Shared Creative Work With Others?
Yes. And considering doing it again.
* Should Terminally Ill Patients Be Allowed to Die on Their Own Terms?
Yes. Euthansia. I even wrote a paper arguing for it in law school. Two topics I researched and wrote papers on in law school, euthansia and the removal of a vegetative feeding tube, and abortion.
People should have the right to deny extraordinary medical measures. My grandparents and parents have living wills. I need to put one in place. My brother also has one.
* How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior?
By their parents and principal caregivers - but there's a lot of horrible parents and caregivers out there. Also a lot of bad teachers and authority figures. But by adults in charge of their care. And definitely not their peer group - anyone who has ever been bullied in school knows that there is [ETA: for many people] no such thing as a good peer group. [ETA: I'm certain there are exceptions as there are in anything. Count yourselves lucky. I shouldn't generalize. However? Bullying and bad peer behavior unfortunately is more common than otherwise.]
* Do You Like to Exercise?
No. Unfortunately. I like to walk. I used to like to run and swim, but neither is possible any longer. Most exercise is boring.
* What Places Do You Remember Fondly From Childhood?
Florida Keys (we visited them as a kid), Valley Forge, the woods in my backyard in West Chester, PA. Sailing in Maine. Philadelphia Science Museum. Walt Disney World (we visited it frequently as a kid in the 1970s). Hershey Park (amusement park with a huge wooden roller coaster). Horseback riding in Colorado at Lane Guest Ranch. Theater for Young America in Overland Park, Kansas.
* Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art?
Of course. I live in NYC - I've seen it. Even saw a film on it once in a folklore course.
* Do You Believe in Ghosts?
I don't know - I remain forever agnostic on the subject.
I've felt energy - whether it's a ghost or not, I've no clue. Have I seen them? Doubtful. Maybe? Couldn't say for certain.
A couple of family members have. So has my sister-in-law. I just feel the energy disturbance, then get the hell out of there - without exploring further.
* Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful?
I'm not sure what this means? Are television shows too plentiful to be meaningful? Are books too plentiful to be meaningful? I mean come on. What's being plentiful have to do with meaning? Just because we have a lot of something doesn't mean it lacks meaning?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:19 am (UTC)I was totally bullied by a group of girls in elementary school - but I also know that in Grade 5/6/7 in elementary school and all of high school, my chosen peer group was definitely a positive force in guiding behavior!
I remember in Grade 5, a new girl, Rachel, joined our class in January. She was smart, but had been coasting along in school without making any effort - as long as she got C+ or better, her parents didn't really bug her about her grades.
Well, it didn't take long before our peer pressure got her rethinking that strategy. We would turn in our work and get it back - and we'd see her C+ or B- and be all *shocked* - "what happened? why did you get such a low grade? there must be a mistake?" LOL
Pretty quickly, her grades pulled up to getting A's - when she brought home her report card, her parents were all "WTF?" and *rapidly* revised their expectations :D
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:05 pm (UTC)I mean I struggled with school - because I had an undiagnosed learning disability, and was made to feel stupid by folks who didn't. Also, you don't know why she wasn't motivated - it could be boredom and the classes weren't engaging her at all? IF the peer group had been a wee bit less into status, and the parents and counselors more engaged - they may have realized that she belonged in a more advanced program that challenged her?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:12 pm (UTC)Yeah, no, not at all. You are making up a storyline that fits your own experience entirely and you have zero knowledge other than a short anecdote? That's ridiculous.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 08:32 pm (UTC)"A girl appeared to be coasting along at our school. So we pressured her to do better?"
I'm sure your intentions were in the right place, you wanted to help her, and you probably did.
And your memory of it over twenty years later? God knows?
But it didn't persuade me that peers are good influence? Maybe another story?
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 09:42 pm (UTC)I could provide a ton of additional details - including the fact that my friend - on more than one occasion - expressed gratitude that her parents had moved, and that she had made friend with our group, because if she had continued the way she was, she would never have bothered putting any effort into schoolwork.
But it's not my job to convince you of anything. Especially since you insist on twisting reality into something that fits your own personal worldview?
I'm sorry for you that you never had a peer group that was a good influence. That sucks for you.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-21 02:25 am (UTC)Backing up?
How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior?
By their parents and principal caregivers - but there's a lot of horrible parents and caregivers out there. Also a lot of bad teachers and authority figures. But by adults in charge of their care. And definitely not their peer group - anyone who has ever been bullied in school knows that there is no such thing as a good peer group.
Okay.
You responded to my "generalization" - which was wrong of me to make. I will go back and fix it. You were right to attack the generalization.
However...I wish you had explained the example better the first go around, clarity is important, I think? Because there are people who have been ostracized for having low grades in school. I know I've seen and experienced it. Kids can be cruel. So, when you provided more information - it was different. I should have just asked you to clarify better - but I've been all bad moody - so that's on me. I do apologize for not asking you to clarify in a kinder tone.
In regards to the question itself:
Some people don't believe parents or caregivers or teachers should teach children because they grew up with abusive parents in the home, and from their perspective, their friends and peers saved them. And were their saving grace.
Other people grew up with kind loving parents and caregivers in the home, and some good/some bad teachers - but their peers were narcissistic bullies into status, competition, etc. Also the peers guided people to do harmful things. And conform. So from their perspective their peers weren't kind.
Their parents were accepting of their grades, but their peers bullied them and ostracized people who didn't get anything above a B-.
So if you relied on your peers for guidance because home life sucked? My statement would have pissed you off? (Not saying that is "you" - speaking generally here - I've no clue. Because there are folks who had horrible home lives.)
Likewise if you relied on your parents for guidance and pfft to the nasty peers who wanted to remake you into their image - than stating peers can be helpful would piss someone off and be triggering. It is also triggering attacking that person for not having experienced kind folks in classes. (seriously there's a reason people are shooting up schools.) Not everyone was blessed with a kind peer group - this is not their fault. Keep in mind we were all raised in different places, decades, time zones, etc. For example? I went to school in the 1970s, at lower ranked school, which was segregated. It was in the United States - in Pennsylvania. I'm thinking you did not go to school in the 1970s, in the US, in rural Pennsylvania? And I couldn't figure out how to read until the second grade. I flip things around in my head. I was also taller than the other kids. I had friends, lots of them, but they asked me to do things that were clearly wrong. My experiences with peer pressure were not positive ones. I can provide examples - if you wish? But clearly you had a different experience, which is valid.
The difficulty with that question is - it has no correct response. I'm regretting that I answered it now.
no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 01:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-02-20 03:00 pm (UTC)The greatest horror was the first and last chapter - which tie in together.
The creepy experiment at the beginning, and the last chapter that reveals what the experiment had resulted in or conceived? Poor Mary. (She's the only person I felt sorry for at all.) It is kind of a mystery, in a way. We have the experiment. Then these seemingly unassociated tragic events over a long period time, which eventually are shown to be connected back to that experiment and the direct result of it. (I finished it last night.)
I wasn't that impressed by it. It's okay. But it does explain a lot of Stephen King's writing and what influences it. King really likes the idea of mad science or experimentation, the Dark Man or Devil imagery in his novels, and young women being the victims or survivors of them.