"Everybody hurt"

This article I read today clears the way for the much needed explanation why sometimes we feel pain in our chest when someone hurts us without even touching us. As the article begins:

"Like a jab in the arm with a red-hot poker, social rejection hurts. Literally. A new study finds that our brains make little distinction between the sting of being rebuffed by peers -- or by a lover, boss or family member -- and the physical pain that arises from disease or injury."

JK Rowling and lessons from the past

J.K. Rowling, the author and creator of Harry Potter series, gave an inspiring speech at the Harvard graduation in 2008. The one thing that stayed with me upon finishing the video of the address is the under-rated value of failure. As she eloquently says:

Intensity of association and songs from the past.

Great works of popular culture, like great works of literature, represents that generation like a stamp mark that does not fade easily. I am reminded of this fact today as I drive to work and am pleasantly serenaded by a song I use to hold close to my heart.

Innocence and maturity of the child

A friend posted this video on face book today and I am captivated by it. It’s a very good illustration of how knowledge (both language and body language/mannerisms) is transferred from parent to child and how the knowledge is acquired by the child.

What improves with age?

A face book friend of mine recently turned 47 and thanked her facebook friends for the birthday wishes. But she also added that even though the “wisdom of age” is great, it is unfortunate that age comes with other added attachments including aches and pains and hormonal imbalances. To which others added a variety of physical pitfalls of aging including dementia, failing eyesight and hearing. And finally, someone suggested the ultimate statement of all, that actually when we think about it, absolutely nothing improves with age.