A lot of big, tragic and important things have happened to this wonderful country of ours since April 2014. None of which I have covered. I was too busy writing about hungover parenting, ancient philosophy and my dog Colin.
Out of the 536 columns I have written, 27 were about that guy. Far too few. He is such a good boy, he deserves an article a week.
Today is the end of an era for me, and whenever these final events pop up in our lives, we can’t help but think about the ultimate end.
Everything we do, we will one day do for the last time. That’s why you have to enjoy things while they are around. It’s not just big events like leaving a job, house or loved one either. Whatever moment you happen to be in now, you will never get it back, and you don’t know how many more you have.
Everything we do in life, from eating pizza to spending time with the people we love, to driving, writing, drinking or breathing, we will one day experience for the final time. It might happen tomorrow. This can be either a depressing or an inspiring thought, depending on how you look at it.
A few years back in this column, I interviewed professor of philosophy William B Irvine, of Wright State University, Ohio, on this very topic. He put it this way on a Zoom call: “Recognition of the impermanence of everything in life can invest the things we do with a significance and intensity that would otherwise be absent. The only way we can be truly alive is if we make it our business periodically to entertain thoughts of the end.”
Today’s column is very meaningful to me because it is my last. Like the last night with a lover before she goes overseas. And just like a lover, there have been some half-arsed efforts put in from me over the years. Last week, for example, I spent 750 words moaning about how bad my cricket team is. But the truth is that any of my columns could have been the final. If I had reminded myself every week for the past 10 years that the end is inevitable, I may have been more grateful for having a column and appreciated writing them all as much as I am this one.
While everything we do could have more meaning with a focus on finitude, some things are inherently more worthwhile than others. There is no doubt my column “The pros and cons of wearing Speedos” from November 2022 was less meaningful than most things in this world. That was a waste of everyone’s time. So, if we only have so much time, how do we pick the best things to do?
Well, Oliver Burkeman, the author of Four Thousand Weeks – Time Management For Mortals, suggested this to me in a 2022 column: “Ask yourself, does this choice enlarge me? You usually know on some unspoken level if it does. That’s a good way to distinguish between options.”
With that in mind, I don’t feel great about my 2018 article on “New Zealand’s best hole”. That didn’t enlarge anyone.
There will be people reading this column right now who have loved my writing in the Herald and are sad to see it end. Others will have hated it and are glad to see me go. Many won’t have any opinion at all. But for those in the first camp, I have good news. I have a book coming out on May 28 called A Life Less Punishing – 13 Ways To Love The Life You Got (Allen and Unwin Book Publishers). It’s a deep dive into the history, philosophy and science of not wasting our time lost in anger, loneliness, humiliation, stress, fear, boredom and all the other ways we find to not enjoy perfectly good lives. It’s available for pre-order right now (google it if you’re interested).
A Life Less Punishing took me two years to write and is equivalent in words to 100 of these columns. Which would be a complete nightmare for those in the hate camp, but as I say, great news for those who want more.
Anyway, thanks to the Herald for having me, thanks to the lovely people who make an effort to say nice things to me about my column nearly every day and thanks to the universe for every single second we get.
Bless!
Why Sydney Sweeney Regarded by Science As the Most Attractive Woman on Earth
Sydney Sweeney, celebrated for her performances in hit shows like Euphoria and The Handmaid’s Tale, has emerged as a beauty icon in Hollywood. But what exactly makes her so captivating? Let’s explore the science behind her allure.
She was insecure about her looks in high school.
Sydney’s journey began in high school when she made a decision she never regretted. Thinking back on her past, Sweeney mentioned that she developed earlier than other girls in middle school, leading to self-esteem issues. “I used to feel uncomfortable,” she said, considering breast reduction, but her mom persuaded her otherwise.
Playing Cassie in the show was a big confidence boost for her. Despite these challenges, she faced them bravely, growing into a successful actress in Hollywood. Later, she captured headlines due to chemistry with co-star Glen Powell, though both dismissed the dating rumors.
Some people don’t believe she has a natural look.
There’s been speculation about the extent of Syndey Sweeney’s natural beauty, prompting questions about whether she’s had plastic surgery. Two dermatology experts have weighed in on the matter.
Emma Coleman, a dermatology and aesthetic RGN at Emma Coleman Skin, suggested, “In my professional opinion, Syndey Sweeney has had Botox and possibly a brow lift.” She also noted signs of mud face rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid dermal filler and cheek implants.
However, not all professionals agree. Dr. Olya Vorodyukhina, an aesthetics trainer and founder of Angels Twelve clinic, expressed skepticism, stating that at Sydney’s young age, it’s unlikely she’s undergone any procedures.
What are the perfect body proportions?
Plastic surgeon Onur Gilleard explains it as a “golden ratio” of facial proportions. Sydney’s features, he says, embody symmetry and harmony, a hallmark of classical beauty. Dr. Gilleard elaborates: “The golden ratio in facial proportions can be applied both horizontally, known as the ‘rule of fifths,’ and vertically, known as the ‘rule of thirds.’”
For instance, a beautiful nose should have a gentle curve and proper projection. The angle between the nose and lip is critical, ideally falling between 95–100 degrees. Viewing from the front, the width of the nose should match the inner eye distance, with the nasal tip being a third of the total width.
Similarly, lips should be proportionate to the nose, with the upper lip’s vertical height matching 1:1.6 with the lower lip. The ideal chin position is around 1mm behind a line dropped from the upper lip. High, defined cheekbones also play a significant role in female attractiveness.
Analyzing Sydney’s face, Dr. Gilleard notes that she meets nearly all these criteria, earning her the title of a “classical beauty.” “Sydney Sweeney’s beauty extends beyond her facial features. Her figure, too, embodies ideal proportions, reflecting the same ‘golden ratio.’” Despite her physical attributes, Sydney advocates for body confidence, encouraging everyone to embrace their unique beauty.
People often create lists of the most beautiful women or men in the world or those with perfect bodies, whether based on science or personal opinion. However, it’s crucial to remember that true beauty comes from feeling confident and accepting yourself.
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