In which I (Patrick), blog about a myriad of topics.
Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Fuck Yeah, History Major Heraldic Beast: Today is Saint Patrick's Day!
fyeahhistorymajorheraldicbeast:
Here are some facts about the man behind everyone’s favorite corrupted feast day:
- He might have been two people
- One of those people was Welsh
- The other was possibly French (or, well, Gaulish)
- That one pretty much did jack on his mission
- There had been Christianity in Ireland before either…
DeMarco and Lister’s findings reach beyond the world of computer programmers. A mountain of recent data on open-plan offices from many different industries corroborates the results of the games. Open-plan offices have been found to reduce productivity and impair memory. They’re associated with high staff turnover. They make people sick, hostile, unmotivated, and insecure. Open-plan workers…have fewer personal and confidential conversations with colleagues. They’re often subject to loud and uncontrollable noise, which raises heart rates; releases cortisol, the body’s fight-or-flight “stress” hormone; and makes people socially distant, quick to anger, aggressive, and slow to help others.
Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (page 84)
The finished boxes for National Stress Øut Day! (Taken with instagram)
160+ in less than 75 minutes! :D
And, you know, politics aside, the success of Sarah Palin and women like her is good for all women - except, of course, those who will end up, you know, like, paying for their own rape kit ‘n stuff. But for everyone else, it’s a win-win. Unless you’re a gay woman who wants to marry your partner of 20 years - whatever. But for most women, the success of conservative women is good for all of us. Unless you believe in evolution. You know - actually, I take it back. The whole thing’s a disaster.
Tina Fey’s Bossypants
Another “Everybody Knows Somebody” video, this time from my wonderful coworker, Becky.
Introversion — along with its cousins sensitivity, seriousness, and shyness — is now a second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology. Introverts living under the Extrovert Ideal are like women living in a man’s world, discounted because it goes to the core of who they are. Extroversion is an enormously appealing personality trait, but we’ve turned it into an oppressive standard to which most of us feel we must conform.
Susan Cain, from the book “Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking” (via stitchpunk)
(Source: brainpickings.org)
What Should I Say? Tips for talking to a friend who may be struggling with an eating disorder
If you are worried about your friend’s eating behaviors or attitudes, it is important to express your concerns in a loving and supportive way. It is also necessary to discuss your worries early on, rather than waiting until your friend has endured many of the damaging physical and emotional effects of eating disorders. In a private and relaxed setting, talk to your friend in a calm and caring way about the specific things you have seen or felt that have caused you to worry.
What to Say—Step by Step
Set a time to talk. Set aside a time for a private, respectful meeting with your friend to discuss your concerns openly and honestly in a caring, supportive way. Make sure you will be some place away from other distractions.
Communicate your concerns. Share your memories of specific times when you felt concerned about your friend’s eating or exercise behaviors. Explain that you think these things may indicate that there could be a problem that needs professional attention.
Ask your friend to explore these concerns with a counselor, doctor, nutritionist, or other health professional who is knowledgeable about eating issues. If you feel comfortable doing so, offer to help your friend make an appointment or accompany your friend on their first visit.
Avoid conflicts or a battle of the wills with your friend. If your friend refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem, or any reason for you to be concerned, restate your feelings and the reasons for them and leave yourself open and available as a supportive listener.
Avoid placing shame, blame, or guilt on your friend regarding their actions or attitudes. Do not use accusatory “you” statements like, “You just need to eat.” Or, “You are acting irresponsibly.” Instead, use “I” statements. For example: “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes me afraid to hear you vomiting.”
Avoid giving simple solutions. For example, “If you’d just stop, then everything would be fine!”
Express your continued support. Remind your friend that you care and want your friend to be healthy and happy.
After talking with your friend, if you are still concerned with their health and safety, find a trusted adult or medical professional to talk to. This is probably a challenging time for both of you. It could be helpful for you, as well as your friend, to discuss your concerns and seek assistance and support from a professional.
Eating Disorders Helpline: 1-800-931-2237
(Source: nationaleatingdisorders.org)
