22.2.08

Lobotomy Friday

On the way to work this morning I listened to NPR's piece on one man's lobotomy, performed in the '60s. Yep, lobotomy. Really interesting piece, which describes the procedure (insert ice picks A and B into eye sockets C and D. Stir for 7-8 minutes), patience "cured" by lobotomy (mostly housewives diagnosed with moodiness or post partem depression), and more.

The piece described a very common result of lobotomy: what was once a bright, happy but perhaps stressed individual, becomes a mumbling, incontinent child.

Fun fact: JFKs sister Rosemary was given a lobotomy at age 23 to cure "moodiness". The lobotomy resulted in a near vegetable state, which father Jack was ashamed of and publically attributed to mental retardation. The Special Olympics were founded by her sister Eugenia in her honor.

As I sit and down my double-espresso latte to try and stay awake long enough to edit this 100-page bid, I can't help but imagine an ice pick jutting forth from my computer screen...

But in 6 hours it will all be over and I'll be heading off to start my weekend. Comforting thought when you could be thinking, "Gee, at this time last week I was standing in the Vaticican."

But I won't think that! I won't! Ah vacations....why must parting be such sweet sorrow?

Anyway, here's a bevy of links that have piqued my interest over the last few days. Check them out if you have a minute, and have a great weekend!

CasaSugar, the home section of PopSugar
My Lobotomy, NPR
Toad Sucking, NPR
Cadbuty Gorilla Commercial

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