![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
This one is an "Answer Any or All or None, As You Choose" survey, because it's so all over the place. These are things that came to mind last night, during a major insomnia attack:
1. If you could have any car ever made, in any condition, to express your goofy side, what would it be? And what color would it be?
2. Same question, but expressing the way you'd like to be seen by the rest of the world?
3. Can you cite one arcane or obscure historical event that you're glad you know about, even if it has no real larger meaning?
4. Can you name one -- only one, unless you're inspired by this idea -- *benefit* of your difficulties with mood disorders or traumatic experiences?
5. A City Council in CA had a debate recently, in which they considered whether or not to ban certain drinking cups at civic events because the manufacture of the material those cups were made from involved the use of a substance called dihydrogen monoxide. Now, this stuff is known to: a> in it's most common state, be lethal to humans when inhaled, even in rather small amounts; b> in it's solid state, prolonged contact will cause considerable tissue damage; c> be a key component of Acid Rain; and d> be used extensively in the production of styrofoam. A survey used in the debate showed that 86% of respondents in a study supported it's use being banned completely. What do you say? Should it be banned?
I'll post my answers, and look forward to reading yours.
Posted by zenhussy on June 25, 2004, at 16:48:34
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
Posted by AuntieMel on June 25, 2004, at 16:54:55
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
1) Actually I have my "dream" car. A 1972 (ok, I'd really rather have a '71) Opel GT. But mine's white (original paint, still in good shape) and I'd rather have a blue one.
2) Same car, but with more restoration work done on it. Like me.
3) No. I don't think any historical event has no larger meaning.
4) I got 4 months off work - paid.
5) Need more info. CA does have a tendency towards knee jerk reactions. They insisted on a certain additive to gas (can't remember what it was) to reduce pollution. Refineries spent a fortune retooling. Couple of years found it could cause cancer and banned it. Refineries spent another fortune. It's no wonder gas costs more there (grins)
Posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 17:06:10
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
> 1. If you could have any car ever made, in any condition, to express your goofy side, what would it be? And what color would it be?
>
No question about it, I know this one! An AMC Gremlin from the 70's -- that fits my goofy side to a T. And the color should be obvious, shouldn't it? Lime green, as bright as possible! (I don't remember the whole story, but there was something about AMC putting the Gremlin and the Pacer out in order to force themselves out of business? Whatever, and even if that wasn't true, there's been something about that car since it first hit the road that just -- fits me.)
> 2. Same question, but expressing the way you'd like to be seen by the rest of the world?
>
This is much harder, but the most constant Dream Car for me has been an Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. Not one of the "classic" older ones, either. About mid-80's, although I did finally get to *like* the last few years' models. {{sigh}} 'Course, you know what to do when your Alfa breaks down, right? (All together now) "Take it to the DEALER!!!" (Yeah, funny...)> 3. Can you cite one arcane or obscure historical event that you're glad you know about, even if it has no real larger meaning?
>
This might be too much for me right now, but it's actually the question that inspired this list. Last night, flipping channels, my husband stopped on the PBS docudrama about the de Medicis. (It's not actually his *thing*, so it really surprised me that he left it on.) Anyway, when they got to Guilo/Clement VII and the Sacking of Rome part, it reminded me of a guy called Arrighi -- which I am probably misspelling.(Warning: this is what I can remember very fuzzily, NOT to be relied on for total accuracy.)
Arrighi designed typefaces for the Vatican printing presses, and I think he was a monk or a priest, but can't remember if I ever really knew. He wrote a book about designing letter forms and typefaces and teaching writing. After the Sacking of Rome, he was never heard from again. It's *possible*, of course, that he managed to escape the wholesale slaughter and disguise himself as a peasant/farmer or something -- but how likely do we think that is?
The major players in those events, figures like Michaelangelo, are always brought up in the histories, but Arrighi almost never does. Yet, his influence on our world was arguably as great as Michaelangelo's. Most of the typefaces we've ever seen in our lives are based on the principles he set forth, and it was probably only after the Second World War that those boundaries were successfully extended.
'Course, then it all gets me into the whole "history of literacy" thing, involving the fact that all this happened within about a century of the introduction of moveable type to printing, the extensions of literacy, Luther, and all that. Fascinating to me, but probably not the thing for today, eh? ;-)
> 4. Can you name one -- only one, unless you're inspired by this idea -- *benefit* of your difficulties with mood disorders or traumatic experiences?
>
Yes. Because I'm MUCH quieter and restrained than most of the rest of my family -- though admittedly talkative -- and because I was often very frightened by them, I learned to observe them carefully. Now, no doubt that observation can be called hypervigilance -- and it is. I've got a very easily triggered "startle response" and am likely to be wary much of the time.You know what, though? It's made me more insightful about myself, other people, and animals. Watching them so closely, learning their 'triggers' or 'tells' or whatever, I learned a lot about my own. It makes me good with a lot of animals a lot of the time; it makes me a better teacher, both because I can 'feel' the student pretty well and because I can 'feel' the solution for that student; it's probably the biggest part of what's gotten me through all this nightmare -- even though it's also what got me into it in the first place.
And you know what else? If I could totally erase all the pain involved in all this over the years, but it would mean giving up that benefit? Not a chance, buddy, not a chance.
> 5. A City Council in CA had a debate recently, in which they considered whether or not to ban certain drinking cups at civic events because the manufacture of the material those cups were made from involved the use of a substance called dihydrogen monoxide. Now, this stuff is known to: a> in it's most common state, be lethal to humans when inhaled, even in rather small amounts; b> in it's solid state, prolonged contact will cause considerable tissue damage; c> be a key component of Acid Rain; and d> be used extensively in the production of styrofoam. A survey used in the debate showed that 86% of respondents in a study supported it's use being banned completely. What do you say? Should it be banned?
>
I'm gonna let someone else answer this one. If no one else says it first, I'll tell you my opinion later. And for that person who answers it -- I just couldn't resist, and it is a true story.
Posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 17:07:41
In reply to Re: Less inspired survey for today, posted by AuntieMel on June 25, 2004, at 16:54:55
Posted by karen_kay on June 25, 2004, at 17:08:15
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
racer, this one is great! hopefully i get the answers out fast so i can be the first to respond... <racing the clock and everyone knows time stops completely in indiana! (a wise person told me that just today)>
1. If you could have any car ever made, in any condition, to express your goofy side, what would it be? And what color would it be?
http://carnut.com/cgi-bin/_image.pl?/show/ark98/ark170.jpg
this one, just as it appears! perfect condition! i think it's a 63 cadillac, but the year could be wrong. that's me as a car... relaxing, but fun too, well maintained, confident but not overly, classy (but, i think this car may be high maintance..... hmmmm, i guess i could be on occassion too!) and able to grab attention, yet fit in anywhere!
2. Same question, but expressing the way you'd like to be seen by the rest of the world?
* hmmm... the same thing.
3. Can you cite one arcane or obscure historical event that you're glad you know about, even if it has no real larger meaning?
*not a single one... wait, let me think. i'll come back to this one. (back and still don't. i know the day micheal landon died, july 2, but not what year... hmmm, if i think of something worthless, i'll update)
4. Can you name one -- only one, unless you're inspired by this idea -- *benefit* of your difficulties with mood disorders or traumatic experiences?
*all of it. it's shaped me into the person i am. i wouldn't change anything that i've been through, only because i've grown from it. my mood disorder helps to give me personality at times, and i'm a lot of fun. when i'm down (as horrible as it feels), i'm able to once again feel good. i'm able to take pleasure in the simple things in life, like the birds singing, billboards (yes, they pollute and distract, but some are very funny), tv commercials even (and there are never enough funny ones, i swear i should be writing them), and conversations, strangers, shoes, barefoot and walking through the grass. the simple things are sometimes what remind me of how precious life is....
as for traumas, i've learned so much from them. i've learned things i will and will not do to anyone. i've learned compassion. i've learned how precious children and great parents are to this world, i've learned to forgive. basically everything that has happened to me has shaped me into the person i am today and finally (FINALLY!!!) i love that person and wouldn't trade her for anything!
5. hmmm, my first reaction was certainly, but upon thinking i really feel for the people who had no knowledge and will suffer due to the company's practices. not only will the guilty party suffer, i fear the lower-level people will suffer from this action instead. why not instead prosecute those who knew and allow those who didn't to keep their jobs? or, make the company pay a fine, but not down-size to cover the costs of this fine... and mandatory community service work with an environmental agency with contributions (from the fine) going towards that particular agency.... that sounds reasonable, right? (i jsut really feel for all the people who will suffer, due to some jerk who knew.. i assume that person may not suffer as much as the family of those out of work, due to that person's decisions). also, make certain they do not use that product any further....
Posted by Klokka on June 25, 2004, at 17:09:34
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
1. Not sure, don't know too much about cars. It would, however, be something of a shrine to coffee.
2. I'm also not sure about this one, except that I'd have it look ridiculously pulled together. And I can only picture it being either black or white, for some reason. (Note to self: pay more attention to cars. You'll need to drive one someday!)
3. Completely at a loss for this one. I have enough trouble thinking of historical events I know of which aren't obscure!
4. The benefit is that it's made me more able to be there when my friends need someone. Part of that is because it's easier to focus on others' problems than to deal with my own, but it's also genuinely helped me understand what it's like to be in a lot of pain. I'm also better able to appreciate what little kind gestures can do for another person because they've so often helped me through difficult times. I still have so much room for improvement in this area, but whatever ability I do have to help others in need probably comes indirectly from my struggles with depression. I'm still too selfish now but was so much worse before living through this.
5. Probably laugh, but that's only because I've heard it before. If I hadn't... yes all the way, unless/until this year's chemistry class came back to mind. Then I'd still laugh, but mostly at myself.
Posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 17:15:55
In reply to Re: Less inspired survey for today, posted by Klokka on June 25, 2004, at 17:09:34
Yep -- only it was Linguistics a long time ago for me...
Posted by NikkiT2 on June 26, 2004, at 7:18:18
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
> 1. If you could have any car ever made, in any condition, to express your goofy side, what would it be? And what color would it be?Hmmm.. It would be a chameleon car.. one that could blend in and not be noticed whenever I / it wanted to!!
>
> 2. Same question, but expressing the way you'd like to be seen by the rest of the world?
>Can I choose NOT to be seen by the rest of the world until I'm thin again??!! *lool*
> 3. Can you cite one arcane or obscure historical event that you're glad you know about, even if it has no real larger meaning?
>Hmmm.. I know I very excited and happy to have seen Concord takes it final journey with passengers.. I live quite near Heathrow and 3 concordes did some fly overs over the UK, and then met up over lOndon and flew into Heathrow, low, together.. they flew over the end of my road and it was an amazing sight. Just wish the stupid, old, didgital camera had worked!!!
> 4. Can you name one -- only one, unless you're inspired by this idea -- *benefit* of your difficulties with mood disorders or traumatic experiences?
Well, I think my voluntary work has to fill this one.. the fact that I can now fight to get other people better treatment in the future. And discovering I love doing this work.
>
> 5. A City Council in CA had a debate recently, in which they considered whether or not to ban certain drinking cups at civic events because the manufacture of the material those cups were made from involved the use of a substance called dihydrogen monoxide. Now, this stuff is known to: a> in it's most common state, be lethal to humans when inhaled, even in rather small amounts; b> in it's solid state, prolonged contact will cause considerable tissue damage; c> be a key component of Acid Rain; and d> be used extensively in the production of styrofoam. A survey used in the debate showed that 86% of respondents in a study supported it's use being banned completely. What do you say? Should it be banned?What, H20??!! *laughing* Thats SO funny.. So SO funny.. See, baffle people with science and they freak out!! *l*
Posted by NikkiT2 on June 26, 2004, at 7:21:55
In reply to great survey for today!!!! » Racer, posted by karen_kay on June 25, 2004, at 17:08:15
*grins*
When i got married, my wedding car was a '58 tail finned caddilac.. man it was fantastic!!! And being in UK, not very common.. my brothers, who rode in with me, were SO excited about it!!!
My bridesmaids and mum travelled in a '62 version - smaller tail fins, and it wasn't convertable (but it was mid-november!)Wonderful, wonderful cars!!
Nikki x
Posted by gardenergirl on June 26, 2004, at 8:27:53
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
>
> 1. If you could have any car ever made, in any condition, to express your goofy side, what would it be? And what color would it be?I think it would be a circa early 70's (have no idea what year the car was), banana yellow Porsche speedster. I know someone who was part owner of a car like this when I was a kid. It looked like a kind of classy, racing banana. I loved it! And of course, it was a convertible.
>
> 2. Same question, but expressing the way you'd like to be seen by the rest of the world?Hmmm, this one is tough. I really want to be seen by the rest of the world as "me", but I don't know how that would reflect in a car. Any suggestions? Something zippy, but approachable and comfortable, with some class, but not a luxury car. Bright and engaging? Hmmm, maybe same as above?
> 3. Can you cite one arcane or obscure historical event that you're glad you know about, even if it has no real larger meaning?
I saw Pete Rose break Ty Cobb's all-time hits record from the third row, third base side. Quite an exciting moment. The bum.
>
> 4. Can you name one -- only one, unless you're inspired by this idea -- *benefit* of your difficulties with mood disorders or traumatic experiences?Definitely the insight and understanding it gives me in working with clients. Empathy, baby!
> 5. A City Council in CA had a debate recently, in which they considered whether or not to ban certain drinking cups at civic events because the manufacture of the material those cups were made from involved the use of a substance called dihydrogen monoxide. Now, this stuff is known to: a> in it's most common state, be lethal to humans when inhaled, even in rather small amounts; b> in it's solid state, prolonged contact will cause considerable tissue damage; c> be a key component of Acid Rain; and d> be used extensively in the production of styrofoam. A survey used in the debate showed that 86% of respondents in a study supported it's use being banned completely. What do you say? Should it be banned?
Not touching this one with a ten foot pole (don't want tissue damage! :)
gg
Posted by karen_kay on June 26, 2004, at 9:05:57
In reply to Re: Less inspired survey for today, posted by NikkiT2 on June 26, 2004, at 7:18:18
but you got me on that one racer! so, i change my mind, let them continue making it with the dangerous chemical, and give them all a raise!
Posted by Racer on June 26, 2004, at 14:51:47
In reply to i haven't taken chemistry in a while.., posted by karen_kay on June 26, 2004, at 9:05:57
I'm an addict, I admit it. Most of the time, I have the liquid form next to my monitor in a 24oz bottle with a sports top.
Heck, I'm so addicted, I can safely say I *bathe* in the stuff!!!
(Y'all don't know *how* long I've been waiting to post that last line!!!! Thank you for finally letting me!)
The story is true, though, so if anyone is looking for a cause to champion, how about education? Kooka got it from a recent chem class, I got it from a class in Linguistics taken 20 years ago.
dihydrogen: di -- meaning two, hydrogen. Two atoms of hydrogen, notated H2.
monoxide: one oxygen atom.
Put them together: H2O.
The city council was bamboozled in a way, but in an honest but ignorant way. Someone found a website citing all those facts listed -- inhaling water causes drowning; solid water is ice, which causes frostbite; and the water component of acid rain is the RAIN part. The survey was taken using 50 people, and 43 said "Ban the dangerous substance!" Thus, 86%. It's all TRUE, but it really doesn't tell the whole story.
Now, how was a website posted about this highly dangerous substance? A 14 year old boy put this together for a science fair project to illustrate the dangers of precipitate actions regarding scientific claims, he won one of the top awards. He later made a website from the project. It's a parody site, in the sense that it uses readily verifiable facts that are not in dispute to support a position. (In theory, this sort of thing should teach people the value of checking facts before believing what they hear from one source alone.)
Some environmentalist brought it to the attention of the city council, however, without realizing it was not a serious threat. No one involved recognized what the meaning of the words itself meant. That lead to a council debate that apparently got pretty heated. I do forget where it was exactly, but I think it was Arriba Vista, CA.
I lower my head and pray to any gods that hear me, "Please, let those council members have gone to public schools, and let it be the start of the Revolution."
Thank you for letting me get up on my soapbox for a little on this. The best part of it is, I can see all of you at once from here, and it's great to see each of you at the same time. Kinda like a group hug, but without that uncomfortable feeling that gives me -- as a social huggette-er at best.
Posted by karen_kay on June 26, 2004, at 15:50:20
In reply to dihydrogen monoxide!!! I couldn't wait to say it, posted by Racer on June 26, 2004, at 14:51:47
boy, i may not pick up on things quick enough, but i sure cared a lot about those people :)
thanks for making me feel dense for a while though <sincerely!> sometimes i need those 'dense checks' because i often find myself thinking i'm not! but, honestly, it made me laugh when i realized i was completely against using water in products! (and made me realize i honestly do care about those poor workers... perhaps they should be able to take the water home with them?)
Posted by Emme on June 26, 2004, at 19:09:14
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
> 1. If you could have any car ever made, in any condition, to express your goofy side, what would it be? And what color would it be?Dune buggy. Purple.
> 2. Same question, but expressing the way you'd like to be seen by the rest of the world?
Fiat Spider.
> 3. Can you cite one arcane or obscure historical event that you're glad you know about, even if it has no real larger meaning?
errrr.......does it count if it took place on Star Trek?
> 4. Can you name one -- only one, unless you're inspired by this idea -- *benefit* of your difficulties with mood disorders or traumatic experiences?
I have an informed perspective on the personal and societal costs of mental illness. The education we all got without ever signing up for, huh?
> 5. A City Council in CA had a debate recently, in which they considered whether or not to ban certain drinking cups at civic events because the manufacture of the material those cups were made from involved the use of a substance called dihydrogen monoxide.I just love the DHMO web site. My dad and I were having fun with it a few weeks back.
Well, I'm kind of grungy from cleaning house, so I'm gonna go take me a nice warm dihydrogen monoxide shower! :)
Posted by Racer on June 27, 2004, at 18:13:00
In reply to rereading my answer.. » Racer, posted by karen_kay on June 26, 2004, at 15:50:20
Well, we *all* already knew that you care about people, Karen Kay. You show it here daily. It's good that you got a chance to see it, too.
As for feeling dense about not getting it, not only did an entire city council made up of elected officials not figure it out -- the environmentalists who brought it up in the first place not only didn't get it, THEY DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER TO CHECK ON IT!!! As far as I'm concerned, someone who reads one paragraph on a bulletin board and doesn't figure out something like this has nothing to feel dense about. That whole "dihydrogen monoxide" thing was deliberately misleading -- exactly how many times have you ever heard water described that way before in your entire life? I'm older than you are, and this was the first time I'd ever come across it.
Now, this I do gotta say: can you imagine the 14 year old kid who came up with this one? THAT is one clever kid, and I'm more than a little envious!
Posted by Emme on June 27, 2004, at 22:02:30
In reply to Re: rereading my answer.. » karen_kay, posted by Racer on June 27, 2004, at 18:13:00
> Now, this I do gotta say: can you imagine the 14 year old kid who came up with this one? THAT is one clever kid, and I'm more than a little envious!Well...I think we can all be a little envious. :) However, the 14 year old kid didn't come up with the basic concept - DHMO stuff had already been circulating. But he must have done a heckuva good job executing his "ban DHMO" project to get it catapulted into the limelight.
Posted by zenhussy on June 27, 2004, at 22:06:18
In reply to Re: rereading my answer.. » karen_kay, posted by Racer on June 27, 2004, at 18:13:00
> Well, we *all* already knew that you care about people, Karen Kay. You show it here daily. It's good that you got a chance to see it, too.
> As for feeling dense about not getting it, not only did an entire city council made up of elected officials not figure it out -- the environmentalists who brought it up in the first place not only didn't get it, THEY DIDN'T EVEN BOTHER TO CHECK ON IT!!! As far as I'm concerned, someone who reads one paragraph on a bulletin board and doesn't figure out something like this has nothing to feel dense about. That whole "dihydrogen monoxide" thing was deliberately misleading -- exactly how many times have you ever heard water described that way before in your entire life? I'm older than you are, and this was the first time I'd ever come across it.
> Now, this I do gotta say: can you imagine the 14 year old kid who came up with this one? THAT is one clever kid, and I'm more than a little envious!I so coulda swore it was the city council from suburban utopia where I grew up! You know that little city way way less cool that yer city? Yeah, that one.
And now I live very close to a city that gains national recognition at least twice a year for their public functions supporting local medical cooperatives or their city council meetings that often make me cringe as I see clips airing on national news.
I gotta be meeeeee!
But what a wonderful survey. Sorry me brain ain't workin' enough to answer but I really thought it was my old city council suckered in such a way.
I have not read too much so am not sure where you're at with 'the agency'. I've been prayin' that the newer counselor will be a safe haven from that nightmare thrust upon you by incompetent county agencies.
Boils my blood. I'm probably not quite where you are with grub but suddenly I'm under that magic weight and it ain't good. Hopin' my voodoo and acu will work their stuff.
kindly,
zenhussy
Posted by ghost on July 6, 2004, at 0:14:32
In reply to Less inspired survey for today, posted by Racer on June 25, 2004, at 16:41:13
i love questions...
> 1. If you could have any car ever made, in any condition, to express your goofy side, what would it be? And what color would it be?
i want my first car back. a 1994 hyundai excel. silver. two door hatchback. i loved that car.
> 2. Same question, but expressing the way you'd like to be seen by the rest of the world?same answer.
> 3. Can you cite one arcane or obscure historical event that you're glad you know about, even if it has no real larger meaning?
not arcane or obscure but the falling of the berlin wall meant a lot to me.
> 4. Can you name one -- only one, unless you're inspired by this idea -- *benefit* of your difficulties with mood disorders or traumatic experiences?
i do my best work and am most creative when i'm manic. i'm also really empathetic.
> 5. A City Council in CA had a debate recently, in which they considered whether or not to ban certain drinking cups at civic events because the manufacture of the material those cups were made from involved the use of a substance called dihydrogen monoxide. Now, this stuff is known to: a> in it's most common state, be lethal to humans when inhaled, even in rather small amounts; b> in it's solid state, prolonged contact will cause considerable tissue damage; c> be a key component of Acid Rain; and d> be used extensively in the production of styrofoam. A survey used in the debate showed that 86% of respondents in a study supported it's use being banned completely. What do you say? Should it be banned?
<3 dihydrogen monoxide. i'm a chemist. :)
This is the end of the thread.
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