Melina Bueller's day off

In celebration of my birthday, I'm giving my beloved Macbook Pro the day off.

I leave you with this quote from Oscar Wilde - one of his best, in my opinion, as I really believe it's true:

Do you really think it is weakness that yields to temptation? I tell you that there are terrible temptations which it requires strength, strength and courage to yield to.

Please switch off my face when you leave the room.

Even though it happens rarely, I can sometimes turn on a classic red blush. I never see them coming; the only common denominator seems to be that they make their appearance in front of men. And the fact that the reaction embarrasses me tends to exacerbate the situation. A pasty bitch like me has no hope of disguising it.

I was going through my old copies of The New Scientist when I noticed this article. It seems that the psychological reasons for blushing are still a mystery, although the cause - increased adrenalin levels - is known.

In a species with a reputation for cunningly manipulating others to maximise personal gain, blushing is pretty difficult to explain. Why would humans evolve a response that puts us at a social disadvantage by forcing us to reveal that we have cheated or lied?

It is a question that Charles Darwin struggled with. He pointed out that while all people of all races blush, animals - other primates included - do not. When it came to explaining the evolution of "the most peculiar and the most human of all the expressions", he was at a loss. That has not stopped others from trying.

One suggestion is that blushing started out as a simple appeasement ritual: a way to show dominant members of the group that we submit to their authority. 

The article continues, but it gets technical and a tad boring. Besides, i'm not buying into a lot of it. For example, my own blushing isn't triggered by cheating or lying; it's more of a shyness thing. Sexual situations seem to contribute now and then. And it can fire up if I tell someone a secret about myself, which is rarely.

My only guess as to the source of this habit is that it's somehow triggered by adrenaline-fueled sexual arousal, even when I don't consciously realize it. Because who doesn't get pink when fucking?

An early birthday present

Just one day early - or night early, to be accurate. A lunar eclipse. How thoughtful! It's just what I wanted.

Even though I'm taking my birthday off, I have nothing planned. I'm thinking of going to the Crow Collection of Asian Art, as I haven't been in a year, and if it's warm I'll take the Suzuki. Otherwise I'll just go where the day takes me, pardon the cliche.

The death of chat (once again)

I thought I had the Borg firewall outsmarted with Google Talk, but now it won't load. Feck!

What's odd about the firewall is that I can chat with my fellow Facebookers any time.

I'll have to figger out another way around it. Sigh.

Do not conceive in March. Here's why.

Although I'm past the age of caring about birthdays, it seems that many of us aren't. Especially those born too near the winter holidays.

I spotted this list - 31 Reasons Why December Birthdays Suck - at The Frisky earlier today:

1. Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending means no budget for your birthday present.
2. Everyone is still recovering from all the Thanksgiving family drama.
3. End of year reviews are stressful enough without having to worry about the birthday party you have to go to afterward.
4. Holiday parties, holiday parties, and more holiday parties. When the fuck am I supposed to schedule my karaoke birthday bash?
5. Your best friend was too busy making figgy pudding to remember that you wanted a yellow birthday cake with buttercream frosting and purple roses. Is it really that much to ask?
6. No, you don’t want a combo Hanukkah/b-day party. That’s lame.
7. Your birthday present is dependent upon everyone else’s Christmas bonus ... and we’re in a recession.
8. Serving leftover latkes, turkey, or gingerbread at your birthday dinner is an insult.
9. Two words: combo gift. Do not want it. I want two separate presents like the rest of the human race.
10. The known world is out of town.
11. Winter break means no birthday cupcakes in class.
12. Your office is closed that week, so it means your boss can’t take you out for a free lunch on the company.
13. You can’t take the day off on your birthday because you already have the day off.
14. It’s snowing and the roads are too dangerous for guests to make it to your party. Or if they do arrive, they track mud into into your house.
15. Your birthday dress must be worn with a down jacket and snow boots. Not sexy.
16. Your crush is on vacation all month. So forget that.
17. Happy birthday! You’re going to get a TSA screening.
18. Your birthday gift does not belong under the tree or in a stocking.
19. Happy birthday! You’re stranded at the airport due to poor weather conditions.
20. Christmas carolers at your door are not the same as having friends sing you “Happy Birthday.”
21. Christ is more important than you.
22. No one wants to hear about your birthday plans when they are worrying about alcoholic Aunt Ida coming to Christmas dinner.
23. Birthday dinner? Forget it. Everyone already gained their allotted 10 pounds.
24. Last-minute shopping really means no budget for your birthday gift.
25. The gift table at your birthday party is full of re-gifts.
26. Family time takes precedence over party time.
27. ‘Tis the season, just not the right one for birthday cheer.
28. You still can’t schedule your birthday because everyone has New Year’s plans.
29. The end of the year is more important than your birthday.
30. People everywhere are toasting, drinking champagne, partying—only it has nothing to do with you.
31. As everyone is watching the ball drop, your heart drops. The month is over. The year is over. And your birthday sucked again.