Science and Culture

Hello my devoted (or perhaps not so devoted after my long absence) readers.

Life in New Hampshire has been busy and wonderfully challenging. I finally feel like my academic pursuits are actually challenging me in ways that are truly stimulating. I'm asked, not only to regurgitate and analyze, but I'm actually being encouraged to build on research and create new theory. Its really exciting.

While I have wanted to write recently, but I think I was under the influence of my own need to come back with something profound and important. I think I found something that will be sufficient brief commentary.

I've recently fallen into watching reruns of Criminal Minds. As a side note to the rest of what I'm getting to, as much as I love Joe Mantegna, I'm really sad that Mandy Patinkin's character, Gideon isn't a part of the show anymore. Anyways.

What I'm really enjoying is the convergence of scientific exploration enhanced by cultural narratives. When the team creates a profile, it is not uncommon for their rationalization for behaviors be based on mythology or cultural ideas. This converges with certain beliefs I have about the functioning of people which corresponds with how I'm developing my theoretical orientation as a counselor. I believe that the importance of cultural stories and how they create expectations for behavior cannot be discounted in analysis of an individual. So its been really interesting to watch how I see that come out in my casual analysis of the people around Plymouth, in case studies, and now in this television program. My next step is looking at how these stories, these narratives can be used therapeutically. I suppose I'm really appreciating how science and history/language come together to create a better understanding of people, especially since academia has traditionally pitted these two together.

Hm, I guess I kind of expected it to be short. Anyways, I should post and move on anyways, I've got to finish my rough draft, then I really want to set up my Christmas decor tonight, REALLY WANT TO. Its definitely time.

Verbontene Liebe

So in my spare time (which there's a fair amount of in between checking for jobs and going on walks) I've become obsessed with following gay plot lines on soap operas.

I kept up with Luke and Noah on As The World Turns for a bit over a year ago because it they were the first gay couple on daytime tv in the US. They're a cute couple but as American soap opera's do, their relationship has an abundance of drama, plus because of what "Americans want" there's a minimal amount of PDA between the two, actual on-screen kisses are months between. And now that One Life to Live has the start of Kyle and Oliver (Fish) I keep an eye on them too, but that plot is just starting to unfold and us poor viewers have to wait for the writers to pick up the storyline from time to time to get more out of it. And Oliver's internalized homophobia is really a drag, he's dating a woman now, threatening Kyle to stay out of his life...everyone knows they're going to end up together but its just a big headache.

But through the glory of youtube and some kind soul across the Atlantic, I am madly obsessed with Christian and Oliver of Verbontene Liebe (Forbidden Love, a German soap opera), perhaps the most adorable couple ever to strike the earth. Their storyline started way back in 2007 perhaps around the same time Luke and Noah did. It began the same as most gay fictional plot lines go. Oliver is a mostly gay man who has known about his sexual preference since age 13, and Christian is dating a woman and is fine with homosexuality as long as it doesn't get too close to him. Of course with heartwrenching honesty and interesting dramatic twists they eventually end up together and their plot line turns to what its like to be the most awesome couple ever. Here's why its easy to love them:

Of course they have spats, they have some big ones, but all of them come from logical and expected places. When they get angry at each other its easy to understand why. The fights are natural and expected fights, most couples need to go through some sort of struggle to figure out the balance of work life and home life, jealousy, pursing dreams, etc. Its HOW they make up that is so wonderful; usually the guy who originally felt wronged is the one who makes the first move and apologizes, making a huge gesture of support.

The message is always that when things start to look rough the answer is to love each other more. Christian and Oliver know that no matter what, their relationship is the most important thing to both of them and they'll do whatever is necessary to make that happen. Does that mean that they both give up on their own dreams? No, they support each other through the changes that need to happen in their lives to make that happen.

Its also flippin adorable how much PDA they get in. Its obvious that they characters really care for each other. As they live in an apartment with other characters in the story, they're often involved in plots other than their own, usually as the ones giving helpful advice on someones love life. This also gives the viewers a chance to see how their relationship is from day to day, what its like when there isn't a crisis. They'll kiss each other whenever they want, give a playful swat, tease each other...constant reminders that they really do love each other and its obvious to everyone who sees them.

Its also nice because as the lowly youtube viewers we get know a little more about a fun group of people they interact with regularly. Christian's brother, Gregor (often a douche, but somehow you still route for him), lives across the hallway and becomes Olli's (Oliver) partner. Christian and Gregor's cousin Stella has moved in with Gregor in recent months. We get to know Olli's aunt, Charlie, and cousin Olivia (a really not so kind individual for the most part, but has some surprisingly human moments). And the roommates Judith and Lydia. Judith has far too many boy troubles over her own, often where she's got two guys she's interested in and can't choose. Somehow it doesn't get old, and the guys are usually there to help her out, like two awesome older brothers. Lydia is in a relationship with Sebastian which has plenty of ups and downs, but the four of them are a great group, and have great comedic timing. Plus they offer great advice to each other.

Its really just a great show (at least what I see of it) and I'm a little sad to be almost caught up with real time now, as I've been pretty spoiled catching up on the last two years. At any rate, they're adorable and I adore watching them. Many thanks to the Germans for putting together a couple gays could be proud of.


Christian is on the left.
Oliver is on the right.

Off Season Buffalo Sabres

So in my spare time I looked up the status of the Buffalo Sabres and their off-season action.

I was happy to see the nhl.com experts mention that their weak finish to last season really started as goalie Ryan Miller went out for 13 games. They also mentioned that this coupled with injuries to top players in every other position really just was too much for anyone to compensate for. Though there is a lot of surprise that GM Regier, Coach Lindy Ruff and most of the players from last year have returned, meaning that no one has been made the scapegoat for a really unfortunate series of injuries. In fact, this years team looks largely like last years team.

Out of the six departures, only one was a consistant player for the Sabres last season as Jaroslav Spacek has gone to Montreal. The rest are relatively unknown and couldn't be considered an impact on the team. This is good news for a team that doesn't have a lot to give away.

Arrivals are a pretty good story too. Steve Montador of the Bruins will add some beef to the Defense, and we'll see what Joe DiPenta (European player) has to offer the team. I'm not sure exactly what Cody McCormick (formerly at Colorado) adds to the offense, but there's bound to be some reason we signed him (though it appears he's going to be on the fourth line? Maybe he'll brign some physical presence to our not so physical team). The BEST move is that we've got Mike Grier back! I LOVE Mike Grier...but you know what? Everyone loves Mike Grier. He's not a guy who will score a ton of points, but he'll sacrafice his body, he's a leader and he's got a ton of heart on the ice. Grier was with the sabres when Briere and Drury (known mostly as supportive stars) captained the Sabres to back to back post season appearances and a Presidents trophy. It possible for a bunch of relatively unknowns to make a huge difference in the league if they're the right group...Grier is one of the right guys to have on your team for a season liek that.

Moves still left: Afinogenov is still a free agent...he's been with the team for ages but has been pretty unhealthy for the past few seasons and hasn't made an impact with the team since his first few seasons. Its time to let him loose. There's a bunch of other free agents who are more no names. With a group of young prospects that the team seems to be much more excited about, its time to get rid of guys who haven't used their time to make an impact and work with the new guys you've decided to invest in.

Free Agents: So there's actually some decent guys still available on the free agent market. To me, there's kind of two categories: guys who can add the heart and leadership that the Sabres are kind of lacking, and guys who can still be consistent scorers.
Scorers: Miroslav Satan (former Sabre who still can put the puck in the back of the net to the tune of about 20 per season, maybe more if the gets on a line with some good chemistry), Petr Sykora (Still nabbing goals per season at 32 years of age), Mike Comrie (coming off a bad season, but is probably still a decent deal), Todd Bertuzzi (has some skills left and wisdom to bring to a younger team).
Leaders: Michael Peca (former Sabre captain isnt' the underrated offenseman he used to be, but he's still hell of a leader and a hitter and was the last guy to captain the Sabres to the Stanley cup finals...I just might die if we were able to bring Peca back to Buffalo, throw him on a line with Mike Grier), Darryl Sydor (has a few Stanley cup rings and brings so much experience and leadership to the table).

The point in bringing any of these guys in would be to take the pressure off players like Jochen Hecht, Jason Pominville and Tim Connolly to not be leaders on the ice. We've given them plenty of time and I think the organization just needs to realize that they just aren't going to fill that roll.

Keys for the season:
-Connolly, if he stays healthy, could be a point-per-game producer and that would be a huge weapon for the team.
-Miller has to stay healthy, we found out last season that loosing the guy for chunk of the season is just devastating.
-Getting a LEADER...I'm pulling for Peca or Sydor, but would appreciate a Bertuzzi or Comrie too. You've got guys that can score, you're really just missing this link of a real impact leader, the spiritual impact of the team, Grier was a huge step in the right direction. Stay on that track and get another guy in there (pleeeeeease Peca).

The worst thing that has happened to politics...

...is the political theater and absurdity of punditry. As many have quipped, "there are two things you don't want to see made; sausage and legislation" and unfortunately our political pundits don't have anything to talk about unless they talk about how legislation is made.

The problem comes in here: pundits aren't anymore on the inside than we are. And yet when they give us details of what legislation looks like in the midst of its creation our politicians are forced to start responding to a bill that isn't even completed yet. We get worked up about ideas that are simply floated and discussed or have every possibility of disappearing before the final piece of legislation is enacted. Now our legislators can't focus on making any actual change or doing any real legislating without worrying how their EVERY STEP and the step of EVERY OTHER legislator will play out on entertainment television.

Now there's some punditry that I enjoy watching as well, but I think what is important for each of us to think about while we watch this political theater is "what are we not being told?" We have elected these people to do a job and we should let them do it without being backseat drivers.

UPDATE***
ABC news just confirmed today that there's still plenty of language being toyed with in the bills and that the bills in the house and senate are different. The town hall meetings happening across America are for everyone to voice their concerns and discuss with their legislators what they'd like to see their health care be, not attack them and remove everyone's chance at speaking because they're too busy condemning.

New Hampshire

This little apartment that I've spent so much of my past week and a half in just got a little more cozy today as the five boxes of my stuff that my parents shipped me a week ago finally arrived. With little bits of creature comforts and touches of my "home" my room seems a little less desolate.

I have been told that my stuff will be here on Thursday or Friday...which as much as I want to believe it, I'm taking that with a grain of salt. And as much as I want to get upset and raise hell about how it was supposed to be here sooner, I know that wouldn't accomplish what I want. My stuff won't get here sooner just because I want it here sooner. So I might go out and grab a cot or a camping mattress from Walmart when my roomies go again just so that I'm not sleeping on the ground.

New Hampshire has proven to be a tad lackluster, and living in a small and quiet town has been largely what I anticipated it being. One thing that I have truly loved is reflective mood it puts me in as I meander around the streets. That is one of the reasons I came here and I'm happy to report that, at least in that sense, this move is accomplishing what I want.

In other news, the "Watch Instantly" feature of Netflix is earning its worth for my monthly subscription...I'm watchin' all sorts of stuff. Today I watched a movie called "Were the World Mine" which is a movie that I'd been anticipating. Its basically a little gay indie flick that uses Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" as plot and the focus. For the private boys school in a small town, the use of this play shakes up some homophobic reactions and for Tim, our dear lead, it's served to ecacerbate the existing teasing he's gotten. He gets roped into auditioning for Puck and after wow-ing his teacher with his singing talent he is soon delving into what it means to be portray a Shakespearian character. As he's reading the text, the recipe for teh tricksters love potion reveals itself to Tim and soon enough, he's concoting and spreading the potion amongst the town people so that they can see exactly what torture he's been going through.
So you see, we also have "A Midsummer Night's Dream" becoming the plot itself as Tim gives some of his biggest critics a chance to walk in his shoes.

The movie is visually quite rich for what must have been a very small budget, and Tanner Cohen (Tim) has an incredible singing voice to take the wonderful melodies added to make it a musical and really bring the plot to life. As most reviews have said, there's a lot to like about the film. The biggest issue is in the plot itself. The idea isn't really the most original and the content isn't overly surprising. But there is an endearing honesty that speaks to the viewer at points. That is where it's greatest failure lies. There are moments where its is truly breath-taking and moments where it falls right on its face. This movie could have been utterly spectacular, but it really just didn't push itself the entire distance. Worth viewing, but still leaves us wanting.

And so I bid you adieu my dear blog, I'll hope to be back again soon, perhaps not too soon as what I have to report, but soon none the less.

In response to Merton...

MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

- Thomas Merton, "Thoughts in Solitude"

This is my mother’s favorite prayer. I have prayed it many times and it has felt appropriate quite often in my life. Yet right now, it seems to be entirely inappropriate. Thus I offer this prayer as a sort of response to the inadequacy of the great Mr. Merton’s.

My humbling God, I know exactly where I’m going.
What’s worse is I knew exactly what I was getting myself into.
And yet now that the time draws near I feel myself flailing and fumbling.
My logic is lost amongst the reeds of the river of my imagination.
My courage cowers at the lion of my fears.
And my heart aches for the sense of reliability that I knew before I got myself into this mess.
And so my God I ask you this;
To lend my logic the planks of memory and the sail of hope so that my original purpose may always ride out the currents of ill-founded distress,
To embrace the knowledge that my fears will not shrink, and rather my courage must find its own will to fight back,
And to comfort my need for understanding by assuring me that all order begins with a mess, and patience and practice are the only ways to create that change.
My dear God, I knew what I was doing when I started,
And with that full knowledge I pressed forward,
I fear many evils, but know that I encounter them all with you at my side.
And through your faith in me, I will continue to walk into the storm that may lie ahead.

- Kyle O’Neill

It starts to sink in...

One of my favorite topics that the West Wing discusses is the politics of nominating a justice for the supreme court. In the fifth season (generally far more dramatic than the other seasons) the gang really tries to grapple with the fact that the current political struggle between the power of the President and the power of Congress leans that for the most part we will be stuck with moderate and centrist judges who will interpret the law with only what is written and not necessarily considering a bigger picture or a greater responsibility to the living document that is our Constitution. The characters really hope for, and eventually get, the possibility to appoint justices who aren't simply interpreters of the law, but scholars of the law. Justices who will explore the limits and expression of our Constitution and assuring that the law fully protects all whom it governs.

I making this point as an analogy to the Catholic Church. Many priests today are simply interpreters of the Bible, looking only as far as they've been taught to look and not being scholars of a living faith. Today may have been my last day celebrating mass with a man who is quite possibly the best priest I have had the opportunity of knowing. He is truly a scholar of the Catholic Faith and strives to challenge all that we've been told, daring us to look beyond where we've been told to look. Fr. Tom Bonnachi is the kind of priest who doesn't stand at the pulpit and preach, but stands amidst the congregation to . I can still remember a certain mass in which the gospel reading was Luke 15, known in certain circles as the "lost and found" portion of the bible where Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, the woman with the lost coin and the prodigal son. Fr. Tom's homily on this particular day had almost everyone attending in tears because it was so powerful.

He is a kind and gentle soul whom I will miss terribly and who I'd hope to see at Dignity every time I came back to SF over a Sunday.