"Time Orientation" written by Heidi on estrip.org

Category: ideas

08/21/10 11:24 - 70.ºF - ID#52496

Time Orientation

This 10 min video discusses concepts of time orientation (future-positive, future-negative, present-positive, present-negative, past-positive, past-negative) and how that is shaped by geographies and culture. It uses an illustration of "there's no future tense in the sicilian language: was, is, will be - there's no "will be"." It also looks at video games and their instant gratification and control over the environment makes heavy users bad students and workers. I hope you'll watch it and comment on it. I'm not advocating its viewpoint, just trying to think it through. Caution: it's extremely Euro-centric to the point of being obnoxious.

metalpeter writes at 03:08:12 08/22/10 - Comment #57985: Sit down dinners are Very important. Kids sit there and don't like it and want to go to their room, but it is a good way to be social and put up with their family and talk about school, if they want. The point of the family dinner is so that no matter what is going on all day, everyone commits to step away from what they are doing and be a family even if it is for 10 minutes. It is a way to show that everyone at least is there for each other. Open (I don't mean being your kids best friend) communication is very important and that is one way to get it.

Video games just like TV and many other things are isololated events for many people, to much of that is bad for you. Instant gratification teachs you that you have to have things now. Well that isn't how the world works. That raise you get it when you prove your self (except in prosports) worthy of it. You get a review when the company says not when you say. If your mate is working you don't go get a Whore you wait till they come home. Many things that tech teaches us isn't how the world works, and what it teaches us is a diservice.

Think of this Single Mother, kid sits by him self playing video games and Jerking off watching porn, and blaring music. No wonder he is awkward in school. No wonder he won't play sports. No dad to show him, and no interest in being physical. It is easy to see why, when the kid who used to pick on him gets beat up the kid who did the beating now has him push dope for him. Has money and girls and people respect him (yes taking it a bit far). Or he hates school cause he isn't that smart so he drops out.

This doesn't mean that all kids do that. In fact some video games are very complex and (yes addicting) are made for smart people. The Final Fantasy games are and example or really any role play games. But the kids who play thouse aren't dropping out anyways.

The thing with school is, it isn't fun. You are there to learn. This sounds cold but The teacher is there to teach class to everyone and if a couple kids don't get it she can't hold up the entire class for 2 kids. They can get special instruction after school or work harder. Are there bad teachers ? Of Course. But there are bad students who don't care about learning. You don't need new tech in teaching. Yes computers are great to type papers on, But. You know you have to learn how to write and present things in writing. That is a life skill you need.

I don't even think this video is trying to make a point. I think it is a reflection that different people think about time differently and what they consider more important effects how they live their lives......

tinypliny writes at 12:13:25 08/22/10 - Comment #57979: Oh - another little thing. Computer bootup time. When processors are as fast as they are nowadays, there is simply NO EXCUSE for a 1 min boot-up. This is such a characteristic pathetic excuse of bloated up outdated operating systems and software to curtain their inadequacies and cleverly make you feel guilty about your impatience.

Take Photoshop for instance - it takes FOREVER to start up. Why? Because it's a crap piece of code. Ever tried Fotographix - it's a mere ~320 kb, doesn't require a zillion registry entries and starts up lightening fast AND does 80% of what people generally use Photoshop for.

This video is a big excuse for justifying outdated thinking. And the irony is it manages to be pseudo-effective just because it is employing an innovative method of projecting those excuses.

tinypliny writes at 12:06:19 08/22/10 - Comment #57978: Man, I wish I could draw my mind. I just saw the illustrations without sound again. I am in raptures. I hope this format continues to stick around and evolve. When Google presented its Chrome OS, they used a simliar story-boarding approach to building up the theme of the OS. Brilliant.

tinypliny writes at 12:01:39 08/22/10 - Comment #57977: Lovely illustrations! I love how he converts words into graphics and then draws ideas again from the graphics. I was fascinated by the storytelling form. It's very effective.
Those 10 minutes went by fast! :-)

However, I have to disagree with the assertion that living in a world that is overtly surrounded by technology is probably influencing the time perception of kids and THIS change in time perception is making traditional classrooms boring and indirectly contributing to drop-outs.

I think the basic problem is "traditional" classrooms. Take this presentation as an example. There is a simplicity in conveying ideas and words. He is not reading off a powerpoint. He is actively involved in projecting ideas. This is a non-traditional presentation - a self-interactive one that draws the audience (however, remote) into its threads. But a majority of classroom teaching employs methods from the past. I think we are doing tradition a disservice by labeling these outdated methods "tradition". The human tradition is to evolve. If classrooms were to evolve and keep up with technology, they have a better chance of being successful with the kids of today.

The illustrator mentions how people know what the consequences of their actions are in the future and yet continue with self-destructive present behaviours. He points to the example of teenage pregnancies and STDs. I know this may not be an entirely appropriate analogy but these teenagers, when playing a video game, also know when they are going to be shot down (or however their online persona gets injured or killed). What is the result? They learn to extend their online lives and go "unharmed" to the next level. And yet, these are the very kids who are apparently not learning their lessons in "real" lives. Why is there a difference? I think that this is a stark illustration of the *ineffectiveness* of our teaching and parenting methods - totally out of sync with what is required to mentor kids of the 21st century.

Blaming video games is a simple way to absolve ourselves - teachers and parents alike, of the necessity to evolve, and follow in the path of true human tradition. As we update our labs with new computers, new apparatus and new reagents, we also need to rewire and update our brains to new methods of more effective communication.

The presentation also touches upon sit-down dinners as a cornerstone of family values. That is such an outdated way of thinking about things. You don't need "sit-down" dinners when parents are good examples and good role models. "Sit-down" dinners are just a facade of the images that characteristically come to mind when we think about the word "family". Let's consider another analogy to see how this is flawed - the word "marriage". How many people would think of a gay couple exchanging vows when they think of "marriage"?

My point is, we are limited by our perceptions of how things were defined two centuries ago. The moment we learn to let go and evolve to meet this century's needs and scenarios, we will be a lot more effective in managing our time, our health and our future.

paul writes at 11:34:25 08/22/10 - Comment #57973: I wrote this in response (e:paul,52504). Have you found waiting in line to be less annoying since you got your droidX?

heidi writes at 11:30:52 08/22/10 - Comment #57971: (e:Lauren) - yeah, I was worried no one would watch it so I made that long intro for it. You're absolutely right about the lack of detail and sweeping generalizations. I spent a little time looking at some peer-reviewed articles on the topic and most of the stuff seems document-able, it's just extremely condensed to make the format work (including the cute visuals). The wiki article was the nicest overview: :::link:::

Waiting in line is super annoying to me because I didn't really experience lines until I went to college. Red lights ditto - there are about 10 in my entire county.

(e:Metalpeter) - Here's the personal time orientation quiz :::link:::
(don't click away from the results in the same tab/window - they'll disappear). No one is all one way, we have a preference but it's balanced by preferences in other directions.

metalpeter writes at 10:16:07 08/22/10 - Comment #57963: 1. Is it just me or does the guy sound just like the Sham-wow Guy
2. The illustrations remind me of the UPS ads, well same idea is used here
3. It is very interesting and brings up a lot of good points
4. There is a flaw in the idea though (not that I expect them to touch on this in a 10 minute video). It makes it sound like people are only one way when that isn't true. I'll use myself as an example
A. Everyone not just me has Nostagila for when things where better in there lives, when they where a kid
B. I like many others like some things from the past, Classic cars and Pinup girls
c. I work and plan somewhat for the future 401K

5. I like the kinda bashing of America
6. But at the end the guy says that most differences in culture can be explained by this different view of time

I wont take it one step further and say that people in gangs are only thinking of the present time and not the future and may feel as if there life is not theirs to control, I don't think it is that simple really.......

lauren writes at 10:08:29 08/22/10 - Comment #57962: I think that this is very fascinating and right on a lot of ways. Question Heidi, were you concerned when you posted this that not everyone would watch it because it's more than a minute long? I catch myself doing this, thinking that people just won't watch anything online that is more than a minute unless they are personally invested in it in some way. And admittedly, I was playing Farm Town while I listened to this in the background. Yet, generally speaking, I find myself to be much more patient than most people. Perhaps because I come from a small town and not a city? Or maybe it's just a fantasy of mine so I can be self righteous toward those who drive too fast and get easily upset by a line or a traffic jam. Course, I am still not much a cell phone user, and I only use my phone as a camera, no other uses. And I think the video game theory is worth while, but certainly deeper, at least for me, than mere instant gratification versus boring classroom settings.
I think this video leaves me feeling unsatisfied, mostly because it's too sweeping and not quite down and dirty enough for my preference :) I would like a ten minute video on cultures and time, a separate one on language and time, and another on video games. You get the point. Oh and, what does it say that they filled the visual void with cutesy drawings? Just sayin' ;)

news writes at 01:11:54 08/22/10 - Comment #57954: I found this really interesting but ya, it seems super eurocentric.

Permalink: Time_Orientation.html
Words: 109
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/21/10 11:27

Category: moving

08/20/10 07:03 - 76.ºF - ID#52481

Yea!

I signed the lease for my new apartment today! The property manager is *crazy* but the tenants I met said she's right on top of maintenance. She's got a thing about bugs and women in headscarves and unemployed or disabled people.

[btw, i'm done being pissed. sorry for being a brat!]

I also sold FOUR of my photos!!! I'm so excited. That more than covered all my expenses for Infringement Festival.

So I'm planning to move 8/28 & 8/29 and would love love love and deeply appreciate your help! I have a small apartment and light furniture. It took *maybe* an hour for three people to move all my stuff from a U-Haul to my apt when I moved in in 2008 (Thank you, (e:chico)!). There will be plenty of beer (and pizza or other yummies) available. If there seems to be a time that works for a couple people, we can make a party out of it.

Permalink: Yea_.html
Words: 155
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/20/10 07:12

Category: tourism

08/17/10 06:50 - 77.ºF - ID#52463

Rooftop gardens at broadway market

i kinda regret not going to the big infringement event up here.very cool for a parking lot !

Permalink: Rooftop_gardens_at_broadway_market.html
Words: 19
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/17/10 08:35

Category: religion

08/17/10 04:02 - 76.ºF - ID#52462

Redemption

For (e:keitht) & (e:terry) in particular, but for (e:peeps) in general

From The Onion, "If I Hadn't Found Jesus, I'd Feel Pretty Shitty About My Crimes"
http://www.theonion.com/articles/if-i-hadn't-found-jesus-id-feel-pretty-shitty-about,17883/

(the link keeps breaking :-p copy & paste)

And in more churchy news... that Buffalo church that's being moved to Georgia? Here's the story from their perspective

Completely unrelated: Wanna buy a steamboat? Only $4.5M Now that would be a sight for the harbor!

Permalink: Redemption.html
Words: 93
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/17/10 04:09

Category: events

08/16/10 01:28 - 78.ºF - ID#52458

Maggie Cassella! Stand up comedy @ Ninth Ward

Toronto-based stand up comic Maggie Cassella hits the road (a bit) and tries out the city next door in the country next door - Hello BUFFALO!!! She has performed Because I Said Soâ„¢ for 20 summers in Provincetown, as well as in a whole mess of other places in North America. One show only Wednesday August 18th, 2010, at The Ninth Ward at Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY. That's right, Babeville!!

For tix and info: Tickets at all Tickets.com outlets including Tops Markets, Babeville Box Office (M-F, 11am-5pm), charge by phone 888-112-6000 and online at $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

(no, joan rivers won't be there)

Permalink: Maggie_Cassella_Stand_up_comedy_Ninth_Ward.html
Words: 124
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/16/10 01:30

Category: eating in

08/15/10 07:13 - 79.ºF - ID#52456

Pesto

I don't have any basil to make pesto with this summer, but I know other (e:peeps) do. It's so yum. A suggests that I shouldn't ever give out my true recipes to preserve the specialness of what I make, but I do anyway.

Pesto

2 c fresh basil, tightly packed *
2 T pine nuts **
2 large cloves of garlic, peeled
1 T lemon juice
3 T+ extra virgin olive oil
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 T. Romano cheese, freshly grated

Mix all but the cheeses in a blender or food processor until fine. Mix with cheeses in bowl. Eat.

spinach can be substituted for some basil
walnuts can be substituted for pine nuts, but pine nuts are highly recommended.

libertad writes at 03:15:32 08/16/10 - Comment #57850: It is amazing. You just get the whole nutmegs and grind em up.

heidi writes at 01:32:09 08/16/10 - Comment #57847: Oh wow, fresh nutmeg???!!

libertad writes at 01:26:37 08/16/10 - Comment #57846: I probably will buy them at the COOP to start since I don't really use them at all I could just buy what I need. Now I got to see if (e:mike)'s Mom still has some basil for me from her garden. I have a nutmeg grinder that I love any opportunity to use.

@(e:jason), I made it before without the pine nuts and it was great so now I want to try it the other way.

janelle writes at 01:01:07 08/16/10 - Comment #57844: You get a bag of pine nuts at Price Rite. $6 for about 6 oz.

jason writes at 12:51:08 08/16/10 - Comment #57843: Libertad, one more thing for you, if you omit the pine nuts you have the french version, pistou, still very legit!

jason writes at 12:47:41 08/16/10 - Comment #57842: Yes, the co-op does have pine nuts in bulk! I bought some just yesterday when I made some pesto for my linguine. When you enter, go straight all the way to the back right corner. They're around $35 per lb.

heidi writes at 11:36:30 08/16/10 - Comment #57841: (e:libertad) - Tops & Wegmans have smaller quantities - 4oz probably. I've never checked the coop to see if they have pine nuts in bulk. I use pine nuts on salads, pierogies, tostadas & other stuff. Yummy!

(e:janelle) - the nutmeg adds a nice bit of depth to the pesto while the lemon juice adds a touch of tang and some preservative to reduce browning.

libertad writes at 11:13:11 08/16/10 - Comment #57838: I was just at Guercio's and noticed they had pine nuts behind the counter and I was shocked at their price. It was $17 for a pretty good sized amount but I would only use a small portion of it. Any ideas where to get these in smaller quantities?

janelle writes at 10:34:48 08/16/10 - Comment #57837: This is very close to my recipe. I made and froze three cups recently. But still have plenty of basil for more freezing. I think for my next batch I will try your recipe. I like the sound of nutmeg and lemon juice.

Permalink: Pesto.html
Words: 119
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/15/10 07:13

Category: eating out

08/14/10 01:00 - 81.ºF - ID#52441

Mezza

A friend and I went to Mezza for dinner last night. I should have taken pictures because the presentation was beautiful. (e:paul);51969 Paul's review

Fatayer (spinach, cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil on a pita-type pastry): my favorite item.
Tabouli: excellent
Falafel: it was boring, dry, and the wrong texture - much more finely ground ingredients which made it feel like a dry potato. The tahini lacked flavor.
Warak Anab (stuffed grape leaves): served warm, the rice was mushy. It felt heavy. Couldn't taste the mint.
Beef shwarma (Lana's choice): she said it was dry but tasty. Came with nice side salad and choice of potatoes. Lana got the spicy cubed potatoes, but she said they were just seasoned, not spicy.
Beer selection: nice I didn't review the wine list. They have a full bar.
Service: attentive, friendly
Atmosphere: we couldn't get a spot on the patio and we were seated on the 1.5 floor. Very pretty place.

Mezza website

The menu didn't quite have enough explanation of the words used so it took a while to figure out an order. There's only one vegetarian entree and it's for two people ($24.99), and wraps seem like lunch food, which is why I went with the selection of mezzas.

Permalink: Mezza.html
Words: 207
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/14/10 05:00

08/12/10 08:00 - 71.ºF - ID#52419

first sign of the end of summer

sigh*

Permalink: first_sign_of_the_end_of_summer.html
Words: 2
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/12/10 08:00

08/07/10 01:33 - 70.ºF - ID#52389

Roommate?

I hate my apt management company and want to move out of my cute sunny 1 bdrm apt. when my lease is up at the end of the month. I've already given notice. I found a nice two-bedroom (dog & cat friendly, central air) in my neighborhood. And then my roommate option backed out. So I either need a new roommate RIGHT NOW so we can get the apt Monday or I have to find the elusive 1-bdrm or big studio that I can afford that's still metro walkable. Anyone got ideas? Roommate?

sigh*

libertad writes at 12:30:32 08/08/10 - Comment #57693: You can contact (e:ladycroft) for the number of her old landlord. She was really happy with him.

heidi writes at 12:07:16 08/08/10 - Comment #57690: Yeah, this sucks. It's the second housing solution to collapse this week, which is very disappointing and discouraging. The timing is so harsh. I've got some stuff lined up to look at and I'm trying to stay positive about it. China Cat is a lot easier to accommodate than Nisha.

(e:libertad) - No way am I moving into your building with the reports you've given of it! :-) But thanks for thinking of me.

(e:tinypliny) - your building is definitely too expensive, but thanks!

libertad writes at 11:58:30 08/07/10 - Comment #57684: Here is the worst journal about my apartment. I hated reading it because that was such a shitty time. I doubt most people have an experience like this one when they move in.

:::link:::

libertad writes at 11:53:05 08/07/10 - Comment #57683: You could also see this journal for more about my building.
:::link:::

libertad writes at 11:49:16 08/07/10 - Comment #57682: Also, I happen to have OK neighbors. You never know what you might get in a place like this though. See this journal if you didn't already...http://estrip.org/articles/read/52218/I_hate_crappy_landlords

libertad writes at 11:47:52 08/07/10 - Comment #57681: You might consider my building but the management sucks really bad. The price is right and they will fix things but only after having someone show up without calling first. They are so unprofessional that I would rather live with the smaller problems then deal with that shit. If you want more details email me. The unfortunate thing is that the price is under what comparable apartments in the area are going for. I also really like the location, the lay out of the apartment itself and that it was fairly clean and painted when I moved in. They also do the floors each time someone moves out too. Animals are OK.

tinypliny writes at 09:24:06 08/07/10 - Comment #57679: Oh man. That's a tough spot. I could help you locate studios/1BRs if you like. Let me know. The big studios in my building start around $650 and up. Would they be in your range? I could ask my manager if there are available spots. If you'd like to call/write to him directly, he is Jeremy (Phone: 716-886-5300 Email: jmitchell@bmgapt.com)

metalpeter writes at 03:50:18 08/07/10 - Comment #57677: You are in a tough spot, if you didn't have the pets I would say just get some other 1 bedroom place (Haven't looked but I assume there are a ton), but with pets good luck on finding that. Is it possible that since the roommate backed out at the last moment (hey 2 going in on one place is the reason you 2 went with this place) that you could get a little bit of money from them, just as a way to buy you some time to find another roommate. That would be the right thing for them to do, it really would. If I knew of anyone looking for a place (I know no one really) or a good place I would let you know but I don't. I wish you luck..........

Permalink: Roommate_.html
Words: 92
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/07/10 01:33