The term was originally coined by Johannes Hofer, a medical student in 1678 (νόστος = nostos = returning home, άλγος = algos = pain/longing) roots, to refer to "the pain a sick person feels because he wishes to return to his native land, and fears never to see it again". This neologism was so successful that people forgot its origin. Moreover, its original meaning--referring to a serious medical disorder--has been lost as the word nostalgia entered everyday language.
During the period, from the late seventeenth century to the late nineteenth century, that doctors diagnosed and treated nostalgia, it also had other names in various languages — mal du pays (country sickness) in French, Heimweh (home-pain) in German, and el mal de corazón (heart-pain) in Spanish.
I am not sure that I would wish sickness or pain on anyone, but I would recommend that if you have even one good memory, at least for a few minutes, bathe in it. As I held a small heart shaped green and white velvet pillow that belonged to Grandmother, Mother, and then son, I fall peacefully ill for a few moments as I listen to the music box sewn into the pillow tick off the notes to "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and experience generations of Christmas. And for a moment with grandparents, parents, and past...I belong.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
New Cigarette Warning for Those Who Are On "The List."
Philip Morris: 'Please Talk To Your Cooler Children About Cigarettes'
December 6, 2006 | Issue 42•49
NEW YORK—Philip Morris, the largest manufacturer of tobacco products in the United States, released the first in a series of television commercials yesterday urging parents to take the time to educate their hipper, better looking, and more rebellious children about the dangers of smoking. "If your child is idolized by other kids, always gets the girls, and has no patience or respect for authority figures, please talk to him immediately about cigarettes," said the ad's narrator over a montage of Hollywood stars apparently smoking after intercourse. "Parents need to keep an eye on their charismatic and persuasive children, who are at the highest risk of smoking at an earlier age, when it's most respected by their peers." According to Philip Morris' new print-ad campaign running in Maxim and Sports Illustrated, it is unnecessary for parents to discuss the dangers of cigarettes with lame children who like board games, science, and their parents.
December 6, 2006 | Issue 42•49
NEW YORK—Philip Morris, the largest manufacturer of tobacco products in the United States, released the first in a series of television commercials yesterday urging parents to take the time to educate their hipper, better looking, and more rebellious children about the dangers of smoking. "If your child is idolized by other kids, always gets the girls, and has no patience or respect for authority figures, please talk to him immediately about cigarettes," said the ad's narrator over a montage of Hollywood stars apparently smoking after intercourse. "Parents need to keep an eye on their charismatic and persuasive children, who are at the highest risk of smoking at an earlier age, when it's most respected by their peers." According to Philip Morris' new print-ad campaign running in Maxim and Sports Illustrated, it is unnecessary for parents to discuss the dangers of cigarettes with lame children who like board games, science, and their parents.
Friday, December 8, 2006
Thursday, December 7, 2006
Are you on the list?
I have decided once again to embrace my inner geek...
Is life just a blur of diet pepsi, final exams, and tivo? Most of the people that I know seem to be living paycheck to paycheck; while I, on the other hand, am living paper to paper and final to final these days. I tell myself that I can survive anything for 2 weeks, I am not sure if I believe it anymore...
Oh well, I hope my superpower turns out to be insomnia this week, at least then I could get all of this done.
In case your curious I may make this my superhero symbol. It is the molecular structure for caffeine.
Loki
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