MODERN TIMES

Re-watched Chaplin's MODERN TIMES (1936).

Funnier this time around: The Tramp saying, "We'll get a home even if I have to work for it." And that makes him more sensible than many in our modern times.
And work he does. From one job to the next: assembly line worker, night watchman, ship builder, mechanic's assistant, and waiter.

Modern times = hard times.
If that was modern then, we're ... um, still modern.

What struck me more this time: a significantly bittersweet moment when the Tramp opens his mouth to sing for his supper. Aside from this being his last "silent" film, it's Chaplin's capitulation to the talkies - begrudgingly it seems, because what he sings is verbally unintelligible, but wholly delightful and comprehensible in pantomime. The advent of talkies is like the Towel of Babel moment in cinema. From one universal language of images, sound dialogue fractured them into nationalities. Note too the sense that performing (individuality, artistry)- out of the many he tries out in the film - is the job that satisfies the Tramp well.

Better

Where do I fall under the bell curve?
If I knew I ranked average, would I throw in the towel?
Probably not. I would strive to be better.
I asked myself this throughout orientation: "How can I do it better the next
time?"
Thought I'd stop asking that at some point. I haven't yet.

Aiming to be a positive deviant by following Gawande's suggestions:

1. Ask an unscripted question.
2. Don't complain.
3. Count something.
4. Write something.
5. Change.

-Atul Gawande, Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance (2007)

I promise I will Apgar something for my P(ile)h(igh)D(eep).

Put the funds on performance, he writes.
Implement "evidence-based practice."
Agreed.

Vote

Mom: Who are you going to vote for?

Me: I'm not telling you.

Mom: Don't get sold on that brand of change.

Doesn't she know?
I'm old enough to choose for Donkey or Dumbo.

Layaway

With "layaway" now resurrected in modern usage comes other ideas for thrifty living.
This lives up to that word:

Recycle Your Romances
The joys (and savings) of sex with your ex.
By Em & Lo
From: New York Magazine
Published Nov 2, 2008

Normal dates—with the requisite mani-pedis, barbershop shaves, drinks, and movie tickets—can easily add up to more than $200. But just because you’re single and can’t afford big nights out doesn’t mean you need to forgo sex altogether. Just sleep with your ex. Booty-calling an ex, at least one you’re on good terms with, is a low-risk, high-yield investment. You’re familiar with each other’s flaws already, so no need to mask them with pricey beautification or elaborate mating rituals. Just order in Chinese—or better yet, nuke some Ramen, then get busy. Bonus perk: Your ex knows his or her way around your body, and vice versa, which means a guaranteed good time for all.

Annual Savings: $2,400
(Compared with twelve $200 dates.)