Yep, that's right. From Science Daily: Using short pulses from an intense laser source, scientists from Lund University Faculty of Engineering in Sweden have been able to capture an electron's motion to video for the first time. Currently, I don't have much of a background in modern physics so I'll spare you from any attempt on my part of an explanation.
Johan Mauritsson of Lund University claims that this technology can be used to corroboration of various theories. He also says, "What we are doing is pure basic research. If there happen to be future applications, they will have to be seen as a bonus."
The entire length of the video represents a single oscillation of the light. Of course, the video has been slowed so that we can observe the effects.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Dissension
I recently traveled to a mountain state for a short term contract in my field. They put me up in a shitty dorm room with communal toilets and shower. The room was horrid and reeked of pipe tobacco smoke. I arrived on a Sunday, and shortly after I arrived for work on Monday began vomiting. I don't know whether it was the "water" in the room's decrepid sink, the smell of pipe tabacco smoke, or simply a 24 hour stomach virus. I left my first day sick and went to a covenient store to buy some bottled water and pepto bismo tablets. While the lady was trying to dispel the static electricity making the plastic bags stick together, I immediately had to place my hand over my mouth. It was not good. I vomited again outside the door to the station, and 3 more times next to my car.
I was supposed to work Monday thru Thursday 10 hour shifts. I was there 2 hours on monday before i had to leave. I offered to just "delete" monday, and start Tuesday thru Friday to make up for Monday. That was agreed upon. I worked two full 10 hour shifts on Tuesday and Thursday, and 1.5 hours on Thursday, before I was called by my company, saying that "I have some unfortunate news, they don't want you there. This is not the appropriate place to talk, so you need to leave "Now" and pack up your things from the dorms".
I drove 20 hours to get there last Friday (Feb 15) and had to leave "immediately" to go back home. Not to mention, I was expecting a full paycheck, because I have checks out to pay for bills, etc.
I turns out that the manager of the institution I was at said there were personality conflicts.
What! She wasn't even there on Tuesday! How the hell could she possibly know? As far as I know, I was getting along well with everyone. Sure, one guy was of the opinion that "liberals" were all bad, and I being liberal on most political and social issues made my case that "we" are not all bad. He's a right-wing conspiracy nut. Good lord, if only he knew. Anyway, we actually had a decent, civil conversation. We even talked about "God". He mentioned how many religions were similar. I concurred and also told him of a bumper sticker I had seen on a website; the one that says: "God is too big to fit inside any one religion" and how I thought it was appropriate.
Well, the manager walked by at the same time. I'm sure she heard it.
The next day is when I got the call from my agency instructing me to leave. See, they had a regular employee that was to start in the middle of March. According to the schedule, she was starting 2 weeks prior to that.
Is it possible that the new employee got there sooner and they wanted to start her ASAP? Why pay an agency contractor if they can make up an excuse for lack of performance, or not learning fast enough, so that they can get out of said contract?
I believe that either that is the case or I am being discriminated upon based on political and religious beliefs.
Now my company may not reimburse me for all the traveling that I've done. I will find out for sure next week when a "review board" meets.
That is just not fair! Now my bank account will have a negative balance because by the time those checks go through I will not have enough in my account. I had to take enough out for the gas home and a hotel room for a night.
I was so enraged and hurt. I'm surprised I even made it home in one piece. I screamed at the top of my lungs while driving, "Why is this happening to me?". I had a funny feeling something like this would happen. It had the eery familiarness as did the Georgia assignment.
I had a dream a couple of months ago while at the Georgia assignment that my account rep called and told me that they could not help me any longer.
It was this account manager (not even the one that was I had been dealing with about the new assignment) that called me and told me I had to get out. He will most likely be the one that will call me with the "boards" decision. I have a feeling that regardless of what I write in my email statement, that this is the way it will go.
You see, VALIS, or something like it is indeed this world's operator, and unfortunately, I am mixed with it somehow. Just like Philip Dick, we were/are thrown in the middle of all this. I just don't know whether we found VALIS or VALIS found us.
I don't know what to do now. I am jobless. My SO freaks out over these issues. She if physically and emotionally and mentally aggressive. If she would give me 6 months to a year to write and publish my first novel, I KNOW that I could make enough to earn a living. Not a great living, but at least enough to help rear my child and continue to do what I know it is that I am supposed to be doing. Writing. At least in part of what I am to do.
Why? Why does it have to be so hard?
To any agents and editors: if you feel VALIS is tugging at you and your are indeed moved to hear what I may have to say; I have several fiction projects in the works. I could have one of them finished very soon. A little interest shown, can move a universe.
Sorry for the Rant.
I was supposed to work Monday thru Thursday 10 hour shifts. I was there 2 hours on monday before i had to leave. I offered to just "delete" monday, and start Tuesday thru Friday to make up for Monday. That was agreed upon. I worked two full 10 hour shifts on Tuesday and Thursday, and 1.5 hours on Thursday, before I was called by my company, saying that "I have some unfortunate news, they don't want you there. This is not the appropriate place to talk, so you need to leave "Now" and pack up your things from the dorms".
I drove 20 hours to get there last Friday (Feb 15) and had to leave "immediately" to go back home. Not to mention, I was expecting a full paycheck, because I have checks out to pay for bills, etc.
I turns out that the manager of the institution I was at said there were personality conflicts.
What! She wasn't even there on Tuesday! How the hell could she possibly know? As far as I know, I was getting along well with everyone. Sure, one guy was of the opinion that "liberals" were all bad, and I being liberal on most political and social issues made my case that "we" are not all bad. He's a right-wing conspiracy nut. Good lord, if only he knew. Anyway, we actually had a decent, civil conversation. We even talked about "God". He mentioned how many religions were similar. I concurred and also told him of a bumper sticker I had seen on a website; the one that says: "God is too big to fit inside any one religion" and how I thought it was appropriate.
Well, the manager walked by at the same time. I'm sure she heard it.
The next day is when I got the call from my agency instructing me to leave. See, they had a regular employee that was to start in the middle of March. According to the schedule, she was starting 2 weeks prior to that.
Is it possible that the new employee got there sooner and they wanted to start her ASAP? Why pay an agency contractor if they can make up an excuse for lack of performance, or not learning fast enough, so that they can get out of said contract?
I believe that either that is the case or I am being discriminated upon based on political and religious beliefs.
Now my company may not reimburse me for all the traveling that I've done. I will find out for sure next week when a "review board" meets.
That is just not fair! Now my bank account will have a negative balance because by the time those checks go through I will not have enough in my account. I had to take enough out for the gas home and a hotel room for a night.
I was so enraged and hurt. I'm surprised I even made it home in one piece. I screamed at the top of my lungs while driving, "Why is this happening to me?". I had a funny feeling something like this would happen. It had the eery familiarness as did the Georgia assignment.
I had a dream a couple of months ago while at the Georgia assignment that my account rep called and told me that they could not help me any longer.
It was this account manager (not even the one that was I had been dealing with about the new assignment) that called me and told me I had to get out. He will most likely be the one that will call me with the "boards" decision. I have a feeling that regardless of what I write in my email statement, that this is the way it will go.
You see, VALIS, or something like it is indeed this world's operator, and unfortunately, I am mixed with it somehow. Just like Philip Dick, we were/are thrown in the middle of all this. I just don't know whether we found VALIS or VALIS found us.
I don't know what to do now. I am jobless. My SO freaks out over these issues. She if physically and emotionally and mentally aggressive. If she would give me 6 months to a year to write and publish my first novel, I KNOW that I could make enough to earn a living. Not a great living, but at least enough to help rear my child and continue to do what I know it is that I am supposed to be doing. Writing. At least in part of what I am to do.
Why? Why does it have to be so hard?
To any agents and editors: if you feel VALIS is tugging at you and your are indeed moved to hear what I may have to say; I have several fiction projects in the works. I could have one of them finished very soon. A little interest shown, can move a universe.
Sorry for the Rant.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
I found Phil
I had the privilege of visiting PKD's and Jane's resting place yesterday. I was traveling I-80 to Wyoming and detoured just a bit to Fort Morgan, Colorado. While at the cemetary it took anywhere from 1 - 2 hours of riding and walking around to finally locate them. But, I did. It was disheartening not to see any flowers or other items. On the other hand, there was a little bit of ice in front of the headstone with a space about an inch wide across the stone where the ice had melted. Within that space I found 3 pens, and a tiny plastic sheep. I ran back to my car and found one of my writing pens to add to the collection.
I was questioning Phil in my own insane way, and requested that if he was capable, to show, or help me show, that there is at least some validity to what I am have been trying to explain to her.
Around that same time the wind really picked up speed (although it fairly windy already) and the industrial sugar plant across the road made some kind of unique roar.
Back home my SO is a very compassionate nurse at a nursing home. She's a fairly skeptical person in most regards. However, for the past year and a half she's worked at this most recent job she has admitted to me of seeing dark shadows and on very few occasions, a sort of bright whitish apparition.
[My daughter went with her to work last night (it was only a four hour shift and no school the next day)] When they pulled in the drive-way there was a barn owl next to the house. That was definately a first and it happened a few hours after I requested for him to show her
I could interpret this as a synchronous event, but unlikely as this combination of events were, I still think I could chalk this one up to coincidence.
All in all, it was nice to see them.
I was questioning Phil in my own insane way, and requested that if he was capable, to show, or help me show, that there is at least some validity to what I am have been trying to explain to her.
Around that same time the wind really picked up speed (although it fairly windy already) and the industrial sugar plant across the road made some kind of unique roar.
Back home my SO is a very compassionate nurse at a nursing home. She's a fairly skeptical person in most regards. However, for the past year and a half she's worked at this most recent job she has admitted to me of seeing dark shadows and on very few occasions, a sort of bright whitish apparition.
[My daughter went with her to work last night (it was only a four hour shift and no school the next day)] When they pulled in the drive-way there was a barn owl next to the house. That was definately a first and it happened a few hours after I requested for him to show her
I could interpret this as a synchronous event, but unlikely as this combination of events were, I still think I could chalk this one up to coincidence.
All in all, it was nice to see them.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
On That Tingling Feeling
Back in 2001 and 2002 on rare occasion when I would look at a particularly attractive woman, I would sometimes get an electrical "tingling" sensation in my head, and feel lightheaded and dizzy momentarily. It only happened a few times, and during that time a thought would cross my mind that that woman was to mother my child. I really didn't believe it whole-heartedly but thought of the possibility. I never acted on such an impulsive thought. Imagine how embarassing that could be. On the other hand, perhaps she would be flattered. And I could have played the mental illness card.
At the time, both I and my psychiatrist thought I may have been suffering from schizophrenia. Those particular instances would have been tactile hallucinations with "magical thinking" or delusions.
Naturally, when I discovered the "PKD Connection" (and because of the nature of the synchronicities and associated phenomena I definately believe exists) I thought perhaps I "was" PKD, just in a parallel world or simulated reality and the women with which I had the "magical thinking" were actually my previous wives or girlfriends.
No, I now do not believe I am PKD in a parallel world or simulated reality, however, I still can not deny the experiences I have had (discounting the aforementioned "magical thinking").
At the time, both I and my psychiatrist thought I may have been suffering from schizophrenia. Those particular instances would have been tactile hallucinations with "magical thinking" or delusions.
Naturally, when I discovered the "PKD Connection" (and because of the nature of the synchronicities and associated phenomena I definately believe exists) I thought perhaps I "was" PKD, just in a parallel world or simulated reality and the women with which I had the "magical thinking" were actually my previous wives or girlfriends.
No, I now do not believe I am PKD in a parallel world or simulated reality, however, I still can not deny the experiences I have had (discounting the aforementioned "magical thinking").
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Mapping the Brain
Wired has a great article concerning a group of researchers from Harvard who are trying to create a circuit diagram of the brain, now with mice, but ultimately our own. This looks at far more detail than conventional brain scan techniques. They are intending to get the anatomy down to the synaptic level (all the connections between the actual nerve cells). This new field of study or technique is known as "connectomics".
"It is to neuroscience what genomics is to genetics. Where genetics looks at individual genes or groups of genes, genomics looks at the entire genetic complement of an organism. Connectomics makes a similar jump in scale and ambition, from studying individual cells to studying swaths of the brain containing millions of cells."
"A map of the mind's circuitry would allow researchers to see the wiring problems that might underpin disorders like autism and schizophrenia."
""The 'wiring diagram' of the brain could help us understand how the brain computes, how it wires itself up during development and rewires itself in adulthood," said Sebastian Seung, a computational-neuroscience professor at MIT"
"Michael Huerta, associate director of the National Institute of Mental Health for scientific technology research, said that connectomics will fill a key gap in our understanding of the brain.
"You could conceivably know every chemical and every molecule of every cell in the brain, but unless you understand how those cells are connected to each other, you have no idea how information is being processed," Huerta said. "The connectome, in my opinion, is really what it's all about""
In addition to the fundamental science and reward of knowledge, and the potential to really understand mental illness and brain disorders, this is a common devise for science fiction.
Mind uploading, or even manipulating minds with nano-implants seem feasible, and even probable.
"It is to neuroscience what genomics is to genetics. Where genetics looks at individual genes or groups of genes, genomics looks at the entire genetic complement of an organism. Connectomics makes a similar jump in scale and ambition, from studying individual cells to studying swaths of the brain containing millions of cells."
"A map of the mind's circuitry would allow researchers to see the wiring problems that might underpin disorders like autism and schizophrenia."
""The 'wiring diagram' of the brain could help us understand how the brain computes, how it wires itself up during development and rewires itself in adulthood," said Sebastian Seung, a computational-neuroscience professor at MIT"
"Michael Huerta, associate director of the National Institute of Mental Health for scientific technology research, said that connectomics will fill a key gap in our understanding of the brain.
"You could conceivably know every chemical and every molecule of every cell in the brain, but unless you understand how those cells are connected to each other, you have no idea how information is being processed," Huerta said. "The connectome, in my opinion, is really what it's all about""
In addition to the fundamental science and reward of knowledge, and the potential to really understand mental illness and brain disorders, this is a common devise for science fiction.
Mind uploading, or even manipulating minds with nano-implants seem feasible, and even probable.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Coming Soon: VALIS to be seen by the masses
ABC's LOST features thought provoking literary novels as props either being read by a character from LOST or in his/her library. Rumor has it that Philip K Dicks VALIS will be featured in episode 4 of this 4th season. Since I am a definate LOST FAN I am overly delighted. I think Phil would feel the same way. I found this link nearly simultaneously through David Gill's Totaldickhead and just a few minutes later at a LOST fansite. I didn't follow the link to David's source until after I had read David's source myself. So, even though I would have eventually found it myself, thanks, David, for being on top of things.
Monday, January 28, 2008
It's time to get Lost!
I'm between assignments at the moment. I've been home for two and a half weeks, and I'm still waiting on my next assignment. Hopefully, within the next week and certainly no more than two and I'll have something.
On a positive note, season 4 of LOST is airing this Thursday, woo hoo! They are airing the season 3 last episode plus some extras on Wednesday evening.
Their website is full of teasers and extras, too. Now, go get Lost! LOL!
On a positive note, season 4 of LOST is airing this Thursday, woo hoo! They are airing the season 3 last episode plus some extras on Wednesday evening.
Their website is full of teasers and extras, too. Now, go get Lost! LOL!
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Audacity
So I've discovered a music editing program called Audacity the other day. It's really cool. I searched for one because I have purchased a book "The Everything Learning Russian Book", and with it came a CD to accompany some of the exercises in the text. One of the tracks was the Russian alphabet included. The speaker went from one letter to the next in fairly rapid succession. With Audicity you can import that track or file and analyze it. You can delay parts in the track or you can cut them out or repeat them. Totally Cool! Now I hear the Russian alphabet letter 5 times before it goes to the next letter, all in the same file. That is Cool! Depending on my success at learning Russian, I intend to tackle Japanese, as well. Just not looking forward to the Kanji. That just screams intimidation.
If you've ever watched Carl Sagan's Cosmos series, then your somewhat familiar with Vangelis's Musical Score for the films. It usually appeared as the show was beginning and ending. Very smooth and haunting feel to it. Vangelis's whole version has a lot of extra music to accompany that. So I took the whole track and imported it to Audacity. I cut the extra music out and repeated just one 3 minute and 30 second section. That's where the real goods are anyway, in my opinion.
Ahh.... I feel like I'm floating out there in the non-Earth Cosmos.
I suppose it could be a combination of the two beers and Ambien I had.
All, Well; Good night or Good day.
If you've ever watched Carl Sagan's Cosmos series, then your somewhat familiar with Vangelis's Musical Score for the films. It usually appeared as the show was beginning and ending. Very smooth and haunting feel to it. Vangelis's whole version has a lot of extra music to accompany that. So I took the whole track and imported it to Audacity. I cut the extra music out and repeated just one 3 minute and 30 second section. That's where the real goods are anyway, in my opinion.
Ahh.... I feel like I'm floating out there in the non-Earth Cosmos.
I suppose it could be a combination of the two beers and Ambien I had.
All, Well; Good night or Good day.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Bionic Eye Contact
Source: Science Daily
An important step in overlaying visual graphics over the physical world has been made. Scientists have created a contact lens with embedded circuitry and an LED. The prototype lens was not a corrective lens but that won't be a problem. I've never been able to wear contact lenses, but I think I would give it another shot to be able to surf the Net with a contact lens.
An important step in overlaying visual graphics over the physical world has been made. Scientists have created a contact lens with embedded circuitry and an LED. The prototype lens was not a corrective lens but that won't be a problem. I've never been able to wear contact lenses, but I think I would give it another shot to be able to surf the Net with a contact lens.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2008
I slept nearly all day. I hope that's not any indication of what all of 2008 will be.
I worked all Sunday night and decided to stay up all day Monday so I could go to bed early and get up early on Tuesday. You know, to write my new years resolutions, etc. And possibly begin the attack on my volumous projects. I woke first around 8 am and set the snooze for 90 minutes. Hit the snooze again, then finally ignored it altogether. Woke up at 3:30 pm but was inthused in a myriad of dreams. Finally woke up around 6pm. Been up since, but guess I'll take an ambien (sleep med) so I won't be up all night. Got things to do in morning.
Here's to waking up.
Happy New Year
I worked all Sunday night and decided to stay up all day Monday so I could go to bed early and get up early on Tuesday. You know, to write my new years resolutions, etc. And possibly begin the attack on my volumous projects. I woke first around 8 am and set the snooze for 90 minutes. Hit the snooze again, then finally ignored it altogether. Woke up at 3:30 pm but was inthused in a myriad of dreams. Finally woke up around 6pm. Been up since, but guess I'll take an ambien (sleep med) so I won't be up all night. Got things to do in morning.
Here's to waking up.
Happy New Year
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Help!
Help! Please, someone, tell me what this is about, or at least your limited version of events and truths.
Let's see what we can do.
Let's see what we can do.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
I am SO Insane
Okay, so I'm going to rename this blog to:
Universal Reality: Reality show from your friendly neighborhood Multiverse spy
Nah! I shant want to blow my cover.
Now, but really.
I believe I've already mentioned about the uneasy familiarity I've been sensing with this particular area in Georgia. Well, I've been watching Alias (the ABC series that aired for 5 seasons). I've purchased the DVD sets. So far I'm up to the third season, and have just finished watching episode 13.
There are 2 particular plot points to this story that have induced a deja vu moment. These scenes that I'm referring to seem so familiar. Just so you know, I did not purchase intending on finding cryptic information. If there is any there, I haven't found it yet. It's just the eerie familiarity that I sense.
The first one involved Dixon (Sydney's former field partner from SD6 who begins working for the CIA). His wife is killed by the "Covenant". And of course he is disraught. However, he insists that he is able to go out for duty, despite protests from Sydney, Jack, and others.
The second one has to do with Vaughn's wife, Lauren. Turns out, she's not as patriotic as we think. It's another one of those literally "marry your enemies" scenario.
What are the implications? Well, I wouldn't want to bore you.
Besides, do you really want to hear this from a nut?
Well, I don't even understand it myself.
For those of you who may bounce to this site, please read my "PKD Experiences" to the right if you would like any additional insight. Read from bottom up (on that list only) if you want a thrilling, but absolutely true account of my life.
Universal Reality: Reality show from your friendly neighborhood Multiverse spy
Nah! I shant want to blow my cover.
Now, but really.
I believe I've already mentioned about the uneasy familiarity I've been sensing with this particular area in Georgia. Well, I've been watching Alias (the ABC series that aired for 5 seasons). I've purchased the DVD sets. So far I'm up to the third season, and have just finished watching episode 13.
There are 2 particular plot points to this story that have induced a deja vu moment. These scenes that I'm referring to seem so familiar. Just so you know, I did not purchase intending on finding cryptic information. If there is any there, I haven't found it yet. It's just the eerie familiarity that I sense.
The first one involved Dixon (Sydney's former field partner from SD6 who begins working for the CIA). His wife is killed by the "Covenant". And of course he is disraught. However, he insists that he is able to go out for duty, despite protests from Sydney, Jack, and others.
The second one has to do with Vaughn's wife, Lauren. Turns out, she's not as patriotic as we think. It's another one of those literally "marry your enemies" scenario.
What are the implications? Well, I wouldn't want to bore you.
Besides, do you really want to hear this from a nut?
Well, I don't even understand it myself.
For those of you who may bounce to this site, please read my "PKD Experiences" to the right if you would like any additional insight. Read from bottom up (on that list only) if you want a thrilling, but absolutely true account of my life.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Think Alias
Yes, that's right. Think Alias. Think Alias + 25-30 years, People. 25-30 years more of hi-tech research, especially at the nano scale. Especially nano projects involving the living brain. Think of the potentialities with genius, madness, and illness. Behavioural problems, insight. They are all connected. We are the Universe, and I will write it.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Doh
Oh rats, I had like waxed poetic just a while ago. However, the music playing between episodes in the Alias DVD and my being under the severe influence of ambien, I lost my last post before I had savd it. And darned it, it was the post that would bring humanity to each other again, before we meet the supper nanny: )
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Oh, Brother!
I recently bought a digital copier/scanner/printer from Best Buy. It is a Brother DCP 7020. It' got decent reviews on various sights. But, I can't get the damned thing to install on my Vista home premium Notebook. It's so damned frustrating. I feel like pulling out my hair. Yeah, I wish this was as frustrating as my life would get. Anyway, I have to go to a level 5 (ooooh) support. They will send the request out Monday, and I may get a reply on Wednesday. It's probably one of my programs blocking the install. I could just take it back. Humph. Decisions, decisions.
It shouldn't be that big a deal, but I seem to be at yet another impasse in writing. It's like I can't even begin until I get this problem resolved. Frustrating!
It shouldn't be that big a deal, but I seem to be at yet another impasse in writing. It's like I can't even begin until I get this problem resolved. Frustrating!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Do Sentients dream of electric cigars?
I had another PKD dream just about three or four nightes ago. I haven't written it down anywhere but here. I should have when I first encountered the memory of it. All I know is that we both be enjoying some mighty fine cigars. But of course, we talked, it seemed like hours. And now I can't remember a damned thing of it. He looked to be about 43-48 years old in that particular dream.
Don't worry Phil, I'm coming for ya buddy. I sense you. My homeoplasmate kin. We will figure this thing out. I'm trying to write, but am lacking in some inspiration and time. Gotta' work, Phil.
"coincidences cease at the bequest of mutliple synchronicities"
This employment opportunity has given me more that enough time to write. I just need to sit down and do it. And it shall be done.
Don't worry Phil, I'm coming for ya buddy. I sense you. My homeoplasmate kin. We will figure this thing out. I'm trying to write, but am lacking in some inspiration and time. Gotta' work, Phil.
"coincidences cease at the bequest of mutliple synchronicities"
This employment opportunity has given me more that enough time to write. I just need to sit down and do it. And it shall be done.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
NanoWriMo
This is the first day for the much beloved National Novel Writing Month aka "NanoWriMo". It's a no-holds-barred, scramble-till-it's-done month long writing event, that allegedly has about 90,000 members this year. It's a come one, come all feast of words, ideas, blood (well, maybe not quite), sweat and tears, mixed well and hopefully tantamount to the beginnings of a story. It may only make sence to the author, but that's alright, too!
The object, I suppose, is to suppress the inner editor, the tendency to correct and revise as one continues to write the first draft. When this happens, at least when it happens to me, this squashes the naturally occurring creativity portal, and we begin to stall, not able to move forword with the momentum of the story. Who hasn't heard that before, right?
I'm hoping I can really do it this time. Good luck to all those who attempt this personal goal and endeavor. Godspeed!
The object, I suppose, is to suppress the inner editor, the tendency to correct and revise as one continues to write the first draft. When this happens, at least when it happens to me, this squashes the naturally occurring creativity portal, and we begin to stall, not able to move forword with the momentum of the story. Who hasn't heard that before, right?
I'm hoping I can really do it this time. Good luck to all those who attempt this personal goal and endeavor. Godspeed!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Jake 2.0 & Youtube
I'm kind of late to the party, concerning watching programs on youtube. I usually watch only educational videos on the internet, however, I've find out that one can watch nearly anything, any show even. I've always wanted to learn more about Scifi's Jake 2.0. I've seen it advertised but had never been able watch it, and I hate getting into the middle of a season, even a series for that matter. Guess what? Jake 2.0 is on youtube! Woohoo! I've watched 11 episodes just the last 2 days.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Update
Something I knew could be a problem but I've ignored nevertheless. I have depersonalization/derealization disorder, along with major depression and who knows what else. I've decided to become a traveling healthcare worker temporarily (just until my family and I decide to settle down somewhere next year). This will allow me to catch up on paying my bills (those damned student loans, too) and perhaps save a little for a future move, as well.
I've been here just little over a week, and am internally attempting to stay ahead of the depression. Medicine, Effexor, certainly helps. I don't think I could live without it, no pun intended.
The area is intriguing and warmer than home (Missouri). Okay, since you twisted my arm, I'm in Georgia, but thats ALL for now.
I hate being away from my GF and my daughter, but this is necessary. That's the worst about this, not being able to see them every day. We did get web cams set up on the desktop at home, and my laptop, before I left. So, we have been able to see each other. Modern technology isn't all that bad, now is it?
But, you know me, the depression isn't all that is affected. I've also had a lingering sense of deja vu. It's not so much anything in particular as much as it is just the general set up. Who knows, maybe all this is supposed to happen? I wonder if I'll live long enough to figure all this out?
Also of note, with the exception of my most recent sleep period, I've had 3 consecutive dreams involving PKD. I think it's time to get to work! Writing, that is!
To the Future?
I've been here just little over a week, and am internally attempting to stay ahead of the depression. Medicine, Effexor, certainly helps. I don't think I could live without it, no pun intended.
The area is intriguing and warmer than home (Missouri). Okay, since you twisted my arm, I'm in Georgia, but thats ALL for now.
I hate being away from my GF and my daughter, but this is necessary. That's the worst about this, not being able to see them every day. We did get web cams set up on the desktop at home, and my laptop, before I left. So, we have been able to see each other. Modern technology isn't all that bad, now is it?
But, you know me, the depression isn't all that is affected. I've also had a lingering sense of deja vu. It's not so much anything in particular as much as it is just the general set up. Who knows, maybe all this is supposed to happen? I wonder if I'll live long enough to figure all this out?
Also of note, with the exception of my most recent sleep period, I've had 3 consecutive dreams involving PKD. I think it's time to get to work! Writing, that is!
To the Future?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Feeling much better
I've discovered the culprit responsible for my fatigue/malaise. I've been on 4 blood pressure medications. I decided to discontinue three of the four, the only one remaining was the one I had originally been on. That being Coozar. I believe the major culprit was Norvasc. I've read really intense, negative reviews of the drug, the main side effect being fatigue.
I can't tell you how much better I feel. I keep checking my blood pressure, and it seems to be doing just fine.
My thyroid hormones are still clinically low, but the endocrinologist doesn't want to do anything about it. Although I disagree with this, I won't press the point since it was not the culprit in my most recent bout of a half year fatigue fest.
I can't tell you how much better I feel. I keep checking my blood pressure, and it seems to be doing just fine.
My thyroid hormones are still clinically low, but the endocrinologist doesn't want to do anything about it. Although I disagree with this, I won't press the point since it was not the culprit in my most recent bout of a half year fatigue fest.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Reference
Geeesh, I'm so frackin PO'd today. I am applying at one company. Company I am with now, the manager tells recruiter of other company that I would not be rehirable at their company. Throws me a serious frackin whammy, man. I've got other good references, but this was the manager of the lab, you know. The only reason she said that is because she knows how difficult it is to get people to come work there. One tech and a phleb quit over the last 2 weeks on the evening shift. And now it's my turn. I had an opportunity I couldn't refuse, and then this happens. Great! Now What!
I haven't even been paying any attetion to my writing lately, because I've been focusing on getting this job. This Sux!
I haven't even been paying any attetion to my writing lately, because I've been focusing on getting this job. This Sux!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Process For Storing And Erasing Long-term Memories Discovered
From Science Daily -
The question:
"Are memories recorded in a stable physical change, like writing an inscription permanently on a clay tablet?"
Their expirement:
"Dudai and research student Reut Shema, together with Todd Sacktor of the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, trained rats to avoid certain tastes. They then injected a drug to block a specific protein into the taste cortex -- an area of the brain associated with taste memory. They hypothesized, on the basis of earlier research by Sacktor, that this protein, an enzyme called PKMzeta, acts as a miniature memory "machine" that keeps memory up and running. An enzyme causes structural and functional changes in other proteins: PKMzeta, located in the synapses -- the functional contact points between nerve cells -- changes some facets of the structure of synaptic contacts.
It must be persistently active, however, to maintain this change, which is brought about by learning. Silencing PKMzeta, reasoned the scientists, should reverse the change in the synapse. And this is exactly what happened: Regardless of the taste the rats were trained to avoid, they forget their learned aversion after a single application of the drug."
Their conclusion:
("This drug is a molecular version of jamming the operation of the machine," says Dudai. "When the machine stops, the memories stop as well." In other words, long-term memory is not a one-time inscription on the nerve network, but an ongoing process which the brain must continuously fuel and maintain. These findings raise the possibility of developing future, drug-based approaches for boosting and stabilizing memory.)
The question:
"Are memories recorded in a stable physical change, like writing an inscription permanently on a clay tablet?"
Their expirement:
"Dudai and research student Reut Shema, together with Todd Sacktor of the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, trained rats to avoid certain tastes. They then injected a drug to block a specific protein into the taste cortex -- an area of the brain associated with taste memory. They hypothesized, on the basis of earlier research by Sacktor, that this protein, an enzyme called PKMzeta, acts as a miniature memory "machine" that keeps memory up and running. An enzyme causes structural and functional changes in other proteins: PKMzeta, located in the synapses -- the functional contact points between nerve cells -- changes some facets of the structure of synaptic contacts.
It must be persistently active, however, to maintain this change, which is brought about by learning. Silencing PKMzeta, reasoned the scientists, should reverse the change in the synapse. And this is exactly what happened: Regardless of the taste the rats were trained to avoid, they forget their learned aversion after a single application of the drug."
Their conclusion:
("This drug is a molecular version of jamming the operation of the machine," says Dudai. "When the machine stops, the memories stop as well." In other words, long-term memory is not a one-time inscription on the nerve network, but an ongoing process which the brain must continuously fuel and maintain. These findings raise the possibility of developing future, drug-based approaches for boosting and stabilizing memory.)
Monday, August 13, 2007
Don't read this
This isn't exactly the type of post I was hoping to get back to : (
I'm so tired... I'm tired of trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do. Tired of not being able to focus more on my family, and less on this curse. What's a ghost to do?
I'm so tired... I'm tired of trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do. Tired of not being able to focus more on my family, and less on this curse. What's a ghost to do?
Monday, August 6, 2007
Tired
Is anybody out there?
Hey! I'm still here. I've just been a little more tired than usual. It so happens, that my thyroid hormones are a little on the low side. My damned thyroid is underactive. However, because of another test result, the source may not be the thyroid but the pituitary gland. Regardless, I feel soooooo tired almost all the time. It's a chore just to walk sometimes. I'll see an endocrinologist soon, hopefully. Probably some radiologic exams to follow. I'm just so tired of feeling so tired?
If anyone cares, I won't be posting as often as I was. Hopefully, this is just temporary. As soon as I begin feeling better I hope to begin posting more frequently.
Hey! I'm still here. I've just been a little more tired than usual. It so happens, that my thyroid hormones are a little on the low side. My damned thyroid is underactive. However, because of another test result, the source may not be the thyroid but the pituitary gland. Regardless, I feel soooooo tired almost all the time. It's a chore just to walk sometimes. I'll see an endocrinologist soon, hopefully. Probably some radiologic exams to follow. I'm just so tired of feeling so tired?
If anyone cares, I won't be posting as often as I was. Hopefully, this is just temporary. As soon as I begin feeling better I hope to begin posting more frequently.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Now What?
Last weekend I purchased Lost Season 3 from the Itunes store. Unfortunately, I can't download to my Zen MP3 Player. It has to be Itunes. That Apple's rotten, let me tell ya'.
Anyway, I had to get Season 3; I just couldn't wait until December for the US DVD release. I will purchase those, too. You know, for the special features.
Now, I have to wait until next February 08 to watch Season 4. Looking forward to it.
Anyway, I had to get Season 3; I just couldn't wait until December for the US DVD release. I will purchase those, too. You know, for the special features.
Now, I have to wait until next February 08 to watch Season 4. Looking forward to it.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
A Dickhead's Analysis of Philip K Dick's, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch
Ragle Gum over at The Total Dickhead blog is a self proclaimed PKD scholar and will be conducting a read-along/analysis of PKD's, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch. I bet it's going to be a hoot. Go on over and learn about perhaps the most fascinating, enigmatic writer this world has known.
Oh, BTW, I'm talking about PKD. Sorry, Ragle.
Oh, BTW, I'm talking about PKD. Sorry, Ragle.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Lost Weekend
Well, it was a Lost Weekend, pun intended. Ha!
I stayed up all night and day watching Lost Season 2. I'm currently browsing the bonus features. I can't believe I now have to wait until December to get Season 3.
Any chance ABC will do reruns?
If it were a book, it would be unputdownable.
This type of intricately interwoven play on plots through flashbacks, etc. really inspires me to write my own serial of stories, so that I may inhabit those worlds, for much longer than a weekend. I feel sort of "Lost".
P.S. Hi, Terrie
MDK
I stayed up all night and day watching Lost Season 2. I'm currently browsing the bonus features. I can't believe I now have to wait until December to get Season 3.
Any chance ABC will do reruns?
If it were a book, it would be unputdownable.
This type of intricately interwoven play on plots through flashbacks, etc. really inspires me to write my own serial of stories, so that I may inhabit those worlds, for much longer than a weekend. I feel sort of "Lost".
P.S. Hi, Terrie
MDK
Friday, June 29, 2007
I'm Back
Well, just partially.
This is just a check in. I will have a full post tomorrow. It will concern an article that came from the Scientific American magazine. It concerns trying to find out how groups of neurons form qliques in a heirarchal structure to determine what memory or partial memory is called up, and Mice.
I'm off work until Monday. We're going to shop for my Daughters B-day gift, for next week. She'll like it.
This is just a check in. I will have a full post tomorrow. It will concern an article that came from the Scientific American magazine. It concerns trying to find out how groups of neurons form qliques in a heirarchal structure to determine what memory or partial memory is called up, and Mice.
I'm off work until Monday. We're going to shop for my Daughters B-day gift, for next week. She'll like it.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Awesome Writing Blogs!
There are a couple of blogs I'd like to share. Both offer instruction and advise in writing. The first, Author!Author!, if written by Anne Mini; she's answers questions and reviews comments made to her deep and lengthy posts.
The second is He Wrote, She Wrote: How to Write. It is co-blogged by Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer. Together, they have written ove 45 novels and co-wrote some, as well. At the beginning of the week, one of the two will post on a writing topic. At the end of the week and ample time for readers to comment, the other will respond to that topic, while considering readers comments and questions.
I've been visiting Anne's blog for about a month now, and just found the other last night. Can't say that I'll be able to visit each as frequently as I'd like, but it's nice to have options.
The second is He Wrote, She Wrote: How to Write. It is co-blogged by Jenny Crusie and Bob Mayer. Together, they have written ove 45 novels and co-wrote some, as well. At the beginning of the week, one of the two will post on a writing topic. At the end of the week and ample time for readers to comment, the other will respond to that topic, while considering readers comments and questions.
I've been visiting Anne's blog for about a month now, and just found the other last night. Can't say that I'll be able to visit each as frequently as I'd like, but it's nice to have options.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Lost:: The TV Series
We just bought "Lost" Season one over the weekend. I've heard of it before just in passing, and for some reason thought it was just another drab, pathetic reality TV show. Don't ask me why. Once learning that there was much inward journying for the characters I thought I wouldn't mind seeing it. My GF watched part of season one at her friends house (Hi, Shelly!) and instead of renting them we decided to buy the first season. Definately worth it. We watched the pilot episode(s) and about half the season in just one day. I'm watching a couple more tonight. Unfortunately other matters are pressing, like work (ugghhh!)
I like the music they play, however, it would be a thrill if they should ever decide to use any Radiohead.
I like the music they play, however, it would be a thrill if they should ever decide to use any Radiohead.
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