The Warrior Gene

My Psych of Violence class, which is generally a very cool class, today discussed the so-called "Warrior Gene". Nat Geo did a piece on it, which is fantastic if you have 45 minutes to watch. But basically, the rundown is this:

The MAOA gene, which is carried on the X-chromosome, helps degrade serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Serotonin, most people know, is one of the bodily chemicals that makes you happy. However, the MAOA enzyme steps in and keeps it from getting too highly concentrated, since too much happy can turn to aggression very quickly.

It turns out that in about 1/3 of males in the Western hemisphere, the MAOA area is shortened or dysfunctional. Case studies exist where the MAOA doesn't work at all, but this is very very rare. It is believed (and there has been some research to support) that for those males with the mutated MAOA who are exposed to violence as a child, there is a significantly increased possibility of violent behavior as an adult. Because it is carried on the X-chromosome, women have a second copy and thus have one working copy of the MAOA gene. I could start a whole other conversation about the value of gene redundancy and the fascinating science involved in the Y-chromosome, but that's another post.

Obviously this is not the only determining factor in aggressive and violent behavior. Also, it is not a pre-determinant behavior. In the video, they tested a group of bikers (one of whom has a seriously violent history), MMA fighters, two (twin) former members of an LA gang, a former Navy SEAL, three Buddhist monks, and Henry Rollins (who was involved in the entire documentary). Of that, half the bikers (but not the really violent one), the twins, the SEAL, and all three monks tested positive for the mutated gene. Rather than associate the gene with violence, it is probably better to associate it with risk-taking (the former SEAL is a huge entrepreneur) and aggressiveness.

There's an ongoing debate in genetic research about how far is too far. The fear of the Nazi eugenics program hangs over everyone in the field, as well as policy makers and the public. A 2009 court case found a man not-guilty of murder and assault because of this gene. It's a touchy topic and part of the debate regarding the value of genetics in our society. No matter where things come down, I dislike the name. Warrior has a certain connotation (a positive one according to my class) that may color the view of violent behavior in someone who happens to have this gene. However the debate goes, however, I am fascinated by it. My behavioral genetics geekery is showing....

Review: Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Timeless Lessons on Love, Power, and Style by Pamela Keogh

 

Karina got me this book, which is published by her work, thinking I would enjoy it. She was quite right. While learning more about the personal histories of these two women, I realized that it is not an either-or situation...it is a both. I am certain most woman would find themselves with certain aspects of both of them, perhaps despite their best efforts (I aspire to be a great deal more like Jackie, but accept my Marilyn-ness).

Actually, my favorite part (other than the historical information about their lives and the look into their fashion and beauty worlds) was in the FAQ at the very end. It reads:

I would like to encourage my seven-year-old daughter to be like Jackie and Marilyn. What should I give her?

Confidence. A sense of history. And a library card.

To me, that sums these women up perfectly.

Though there are sections on living with a diva that I might have to pass off to future roommates and beaux....

Review: The Hunger Games

So I loved the Hunger Games trilogy. I read all three in about 72 hours and absolutely loved them. I was excited about the movie, but as always, a bit cautious going into an adaptation. That said, I had great faith in the cast and held out hope.

It should be said that the movie was fantastic. Jennifer Lawrence delivered another solid performance as Katniss. It had to be hard going from the indy world into one of the most anticipated big-budget movies with a rabid fan base. I thought she really embodied Katniss beautifully and look forward to seeing her in the next two movies, since Katniss goes through a really interesting character arch that I think she'll handle perfectly.

Surprise performance for me was Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. He doesn't look like I pictured Haymitch and he was the casting about which I was most skeptical. Karina, who went with me and hasn't read the books, commented that she always forgets that Harrelson is, in fact, an incredibly talented actor, and I do the same. I used Karina as my gauge on a lot of things since she was approaching it without the background and love for the books. She agreed with me that Harrelson's performance was incredibly nuanced and moving. Haymitch is not my favorite character in the book, but he might be from the movie because of this remarkable performance.

Cinna, one of my favorite characters in the book, was really well represented by Lenny Kravtiz. From the descriptions of Cinna in the book, I always pictured Alan Cumming and was skeptical of Kravtiz in the role. I'm happy to say I was wrong and he delivered a performance that was strong and soft at the same time. Also, his gold eyeliner might be my new favorite thing.

Last note on casting - the Tributes were all near dead ringers for their book descriptions as far as I can remember. I knew who each was by looking at them. Really well done.

One of the things I really enjoyed about the movie was that they were able to show things happening in the background that were only vaguely referenced in the book. We got to see President Snow more (played devilishly by Donald Sutherland) and his gentle manipulations of the Games. We got to see Haymitch lobbying for Katniss. We got to see Seneca Crane's sadistic glee in manipulating the games. It was so beautifully done, so artistically realized, that it elevated the movie from a faithful adaptation (which it was) to a truly moving piece.

Overall, I loved the movie. What I did not love was the theater full of chattering, screaming, squealing teenage girls making sounds I am certain never came out of my mouth. I was happy that the movie was good enough that it wasn't ruined for Karina by the atmosphere and it taught me an important lesson. For future releases, wait a week to see it. Less chance I'll commit homicide.

Glamour Dos and Don'ts, 5 Years Later

I've been slowly-yet-surely purging my Glamour collection. Today I was reading through the January 2007 issue. The first thing I noticed (other than the stunning Christina Aguilera cover above) is that I think of 2007 as a "couple" of years ago, not 5. My brain hasn't adjusted.

Anyway, the issue includes 50 Dos and Don'ts from 2006. I realized while reading that a gerat way to identify which fashion items are going to last the test of time is to look back. So, a few items of note from 2007:

50. Black Nail Polish is a Do!
35 and 36. Red nails and lips are a Do...and have been for ages.
27. Sweaterdress over leggings - still a Do!
27. Hip-length sweaters over leggings - still a Don't!
22. Belting the natural waist is a classic Do.
19. Platform heels - a Do especially for us shorties.
18. Bangles - always a pretty-on-the-wrist Do.
2. Crocs are an ugly Don't (unless you're gardening, in which case they are acceptable)