I Think I am a Geek

Last night, Creech and some other friends were discussing the differences between "nerds" and "geeks." Being a pretty intellectual crowd (we could all relate to "White and Nerdy"), we were wondering which term is less of an insult. We never actually came to a conclusion, but Creech's latest post got me thinking about it again.

Dictionary.com gave me these lovely definitions:

Geek:

1. a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp. one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.

2. a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
3. a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

Nerd:

1. a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person.

2. an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit: a computer nerd.

Excepting the third definition of "Geek," I think that's where I fit. I think I am more peculiar than dislikable and have better social skills than many other geeks. Yet I don't think of myself as stupid, irritating or ineffectual. Am I wrong here??

Go Devils!

Woke up to rainy weather. Had enough time to watch a Seinfeld episode before the alarm went off. David Puddy has to be one of my favorite guest characters. Punkin calls him "Kronk" because he's a pretty regular voice actor for Disney and other animated features.

This week has been rather slow, but I am not complaining. Finished up the semester at San Jac last week, so no more teaching until August-ish. I've been trying to wear an arm sling to remind me not to use my right arm/hand, but it is so inconvenient! The doc says the only way I am going to get rid of this tedinitis in my shoulder is by resting it. Yeah, right! Reminds me of when I broke my right wrist in high school. Try writing with your left hand for 6 weeks when you're a righty. 

Why does it feel like Friday?

Buffalo Kick Ass!

Pointed out by Creechman (definitely worth watching the whole 8 minutes):

Twitter, Twitter

Okay, I am going to try this twitter thing. If you want to "follow" me, click here.

Update from last night: Punkin came downstairs about 10 minutes later and apologized to me. It was a good talk.

I've Been Shunned

One of the hardest parts of being a mother...just a parent in general, really...is dealing with misbehavior. It doesn't matter what the deed was, but I ended up being the bad guy tonight and I feel terrible. She went to bed without saying goodnight. Grabbed the dogs, gave me the eye, and shut the door. Yet I didn't do anything wrong.

What is this talent she has? And mom - if I ever did this to you (which I am sure I did), I am really sorry!

Happy Mother's Day

To all you muthas out there! Take a load off...you deserve it!

An Email From a Student

"I did really enjoy your class. You obviously have a passion for your subject - I want you to know that it doesn't go unnoticed. I've always been interested in psychology and your class definitely taught me a lot and kept me interested. I go to so many classes where the teachers just drone on and on and either don't care or just don't really know their own subject. Thank you for teaching like you do."

Can you say, "Made my day!?"

The Engineer's Guide to Cats

A New Diagnosis

Check this out:

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Ever hear or feel your phone ringing, you're sure of it, and when you rush to answer it... you discover it hadn't rung at all? More and more cell phone users are reporting hearing their "distinctive" ring tone or feeling their phone vibrating against their leg, only to find that it was all just a fantasy.

It's a phenomenon loosely termed "ringxiety" or "fauxcellarm," with some suggesting that cell phones have become part of the very fabric of people's lives, so much so that if they think have missed a call it has a profound psychological impact. The result is that many feel like their phone could be ringing, even if it isn't. (The phenomenon, I suspect, is very similar to new mothers who're sure they hear their baby crying, only do discover that the kid is fast asleep.)

Phantom vibrations may be purely psychological, but phantom ringing has a more scientific basis. This "psycho-acoustic phenomenon" is a complex issue related to how the brain processes sound in the 1KHz to 6KHz range, where most phone ringing is based. "Your brain is conditioned to respond to a phone ring just as it is to a baby crying," says one sound expert.

As well, if you have a cell phone, you're probably just a little bit crazy. Frequent phone users, are simply "more anxious," says one psychiatrist. "They are on tenterhooks, waiting for the phone to ring."

Something to think about next time you turn your favorite song into a ringtone...

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I learned a long time ago not to make a favorite song my ringtone. Rather than anxiety, I feel annoyed when my phone rings, so my "favorite song" quickly starts to irritate me. I am not a phone person at all. Send me an email and I'll be your best friend.

Wedding Pics