Science and Nature

Two people very dear to me frequently describe themselves as a “bleeding heart liberal”. Noticing that yesterday set me off down another cognitive rabbit hole ...

Doing some research for my self defense book, I came across this blog (bookmarked now) and especially this entry about how the brain works and our potential for sensory perception. It really speaks volumes to the practice of situational awareness. The trick is to balance our need for awareness with a continued appreciation for beauty and other good things going on around us at the same time. When we concentrate too much on potential threats, we do become "paranoid" and lose sight of far too much of everything else.

I should have seen this coming—I’ve been pissing and moaning about how technology is destroying food quality, and while that can happen, technology can also improve some things.

For any Objectivists and other hardcore rational types reading: does the second part of my title make this assertion easier to accept? I suppose you want to know what I’m basing it on before you answer ... well, come in to the screening room to find out.

We've been talking about research, mostly medical/drug recently, and I thought this was a logical extension of that discussion - but so different it needed its own thread.

As we were a couple of weeks ago—it appears one of the gold–standard methods is most often just gold plated.

I’m encountering a statement with increasing frequency online, and my irritation with it has reached critical mass. Pedantry threat level is at maximum.

I’m not sure if whatever cheer you seven gain from my recent slump being so short–lived will offset my returning to a theme that some may find tiresome. Be that as it may; it’s a topic that is only going to be increasingly important unless (or until) the collapse comes.

Snolf the First and I have been; and Snolf the Second is eagerly awaiting her turn.

Just in from the LRT discussion list:

SPECIAL EDITION

JAMES P. HOGAN DIES AT AGE 69
======================
We are saddened to report the passing of James P. Hogan at the age of 69.

Jim was alone at his home in Ireland when he died suddenly yesterday, July 12, 2010.

The precise cause of Jim's death has not yet been determined, nor is the exact time known.

We are in touch with the family and will release further information as it becomes available.

Tim Gleason
Sysadm, JamesPHogan.com

This Newsletter has been posted to: www.jamesphogan.com/mailarchive/index.php?issuenumber=59

I’m finding some interesting, er, artifacts as I sift through stuff I’ve been carrying around for years. One thing that caught my attention last night is a copy of Fifth Estate’s spring/summer 2005 issue. I believe it was an essay—the title of which I’ve used for this ramble—that sparked something within me.

I will address the gross oversimplification of that statement, after interested readers follow me to the viewing room for a fascinating presentation.

As well as more reason for me not to sell candy any more ...

I am not a pagan of any formal variety; and partly because it can be hard to separate out the capital-P Pagans from little-p pagans (much like libertarians, I suppose), I do not feel comfortable applying either label variant to myself. But as my desires grow to commemorate and celebrate days that actually mean something in the natural world, I find a sense of communion with at least part of part of their formal celebrations. Thus I was entranced by the video below, which came to my attention courtesy of my massage therapist.


(Direct link for those who prefer to watch it at YouTube)

And now I have my own musical program for the rest of the evening, as I enjoy the candlelight and do some knitting: piano pieces from Edvard Grieg. I hope you enjoy your celebrations, whatever form they may take—and whenever (and whyever) you choose them!

Some of you might think I mean this site; and indeed, my quietude has again continued for longer than I wanted. I continue to be busy offline and mostly happy with all that’s going on; and I am frustrated by my efforts to try to organize and express some thoughts on substantive matters for sharing here.