Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

There's a movie by Ben Stein (Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed) due for release in cinemas in early 2008 that I think will be very interesting. Stein challenges the scientific community to explain why they're so hostile to 'creationists'.

To see a preview of the movie, visit expelledthemovie.

The point he seems to be making is one about free speech and the right to apply scientific scrutiny to creationist ideas. That seems to me to be a valid argument. There's a book I'm hoping to read soon called The History of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn. He's the guy who coined the phrase "paradigm shift" in the 60s and his view is that scientific knowledge isn't cumulative. Rather, science creates paradigms which in turn are distilled to become school and college texts. Scientific research then becomes about continually validating these paradigms. When research results turn up anomolies, as they arise, they are ignored or refuted using the models created for the existing paradigm. In short, anomolies are regarded as "bad science" and are written off as faulty scientific methods on the part of the researcher. Over time, if anomolies continue to appear, they ultimately reach a kind of critical mass point that leads to major shifts in the paradigm. The other way paradigm change occurs is when a radical new idea or perspective of an existing paradigm knocks the science world on its ass. There are many examples of these kinds of paradigm shifts throughout the history of science. Einstein's proved Newton wrong about gravity, to name just one.

20th century 'science' was one of specialization and the word "scientist" as we understand it today is itself is a relatively new word (less than 150 years old). There are many fields of scientific enquiry today but all science was originally philosophy. Many of the greatest thinkers over the past couple of millennia were polymaths and, as such, would likely have found life difficult in the 20th century academic world - a world which came to shun interdisciplinary research. This is, as we enter the 21st century, an attitude that I'm seeing change.

There's lots of holes in Darwin's evolutionary theories - holes being 'anomolies'. The same is true for creationist dogma. Perhaps the time is nearing for a major paradigm shift which might completely invalidate both and result in a third theory - perhaps the unification theory that has puzzled physicists for the past 80 or so years. Evolutionary theory and creationist beliefs may well continue to be "useful", just as Newton's theories about gravity, while wrong, remain useful for practical purposes.

I personally believe that both evolutionary theory and creationists are yet to properly comprehend "time". In many respects, their perspectives on time are analogous with the Flat-Earthers concept of the geometry of the Earth. Because they can only view such a small part of time, they regard it as linear, with a beginning, middle and end. However, I'm of the belief that time, like light, sound, the movements of planets in space, and perhaps even matter itself, is periodic motion - a waveform. As such, it is the fundamental waveform and everything else in the universe is upper partials of time. Also, if time is a waveform then, like all waveforms, it travels through 360 degrees. In other words, there may be a point at which it's at zero degrees where nothing exists at all. However, 360 degrees is also a circle and circles have no beginning or end thus, no moment of Divine creation and no Big Bang.

Anyway, it's heady stuff and I'm looking forward to seeing the movie.

Dentists

Just when I was about to journal something...

The phone rings. The number is unfamiliar, but appears to be local. I answer:

[Me] Hello?

[Caller] Hi, it's Tracy from (local dental clinic that I visited 6 months ago) - this is just a courtesy reminder call for your six month check-up.

[Me] Oh. Ok. Thanks for calling, but strike me off your list - I've found another dentist.

~insert farewell salutations~

What Tracy doesn't know, and I was polite in not telling her, is the dentist she's employed by is the THIRD WORST dentist ever to stick gloved fingers into my mouth.

Six months ago, I had THE most agonizing tooth ache. I've had a few before, and have even personally pulled one of my own teeth that ached. I don't like dentists - never have - and might tell why later. Anyway, I had this ache.

In its early onset, I self-medicated with strong over-the-counter pain killers and oil-of-cloves (thanks to the book/movie Marathon Man for the heads-up on this!) As things got progressively worse, I succumbed and made an appointment with the aforementioned dentist.

I don't like dentists. I've never liked dentists. In the world of medicine, they're like optomitrists. But optomitrists aren't licenced to pull out eyeballs, nor drill holes into them. Something they don't teach dentists at their pseudo-medicine colleges.

But, I digress.

Anyways, I made the appointment and turned up dutifully and on time for my appointment - my tooth aching like a motherfucker.

Ordinarily, I am not "racist" by any stretch of the imagination, but the look of diplomas issued from various VietNamese "institutes of dental technition" should have been my first clue to grab my hat and run a mile. I gave the man the benefit of doubt.

I won't be petty and say I couldn't understand a word he said - about a subject that was about as far from my heart as my mouth is from my heart, and my mouth ached so much, I coulda almost ripped out my own heart with a bread knife, such was the pain in my mouth.

X-rays were taken. As they do. No sense in visiting a dental surgery unless you've been nuked with x-rays. When the (very non-vainglorious) pix returned, he declared words to the effect that I had some kind of bone disease in my jaw that he couldn't fix: not on the spot - not ever. Me, feeling somewhat disappointed by this, only paid the $97 bill because I had cash in my wallet and not a knife in my sock.

Feeling somewhat financially raped, and plotting all kinds of revenge against dentists generally, I went home and self-medicated again - this time adding vast quantities of dark rum. I won't lie and say this regime significantly lessened then pain, but the oil-of-cloves as a mixer with rum had a way of diluting thoughts of going ape-shit with a high-powered rifle with dentists in the crosshairs.

The following day, I made a new appointment with another dentist who, as it transpired, has my name. He's a locum in a larger clinic, but regularly works there. He confirmed what the previous dentist had said, however, he also (1) wrote a prescription for stronger drugs to alleviate the pain/cure of the infection and (2) negotiated a plan to "stabilize" the bone rot. That was six months ago.

If anything, Tracy has reminded me to make an appointment for a check-up with my newfound Savior of Glorious Teeth. I had a couple of smaller appointments with him after the first emergency and was told my teeth are actually in good repair. So, I'd like to keep it that way and daymn! if I'm going to make any routine follow-up appointment with a VietNamese Lawerence Olivier.

"Is it safe?"

In the words of children's songs, "No it's not!"

Mr P

Things that make me say 'fuck!'

PCs running Windoze that you turn off one day only to discover when you turn them back on the next, you find a whole bunch of regularly used devices and programs no longer have their drivers installed. And you know what? I'm not even remotely interested in an explanation as to why that might happen. Why? Let me put it this way.

I stepped into the computer world 21 years ago. Yes, this is my 'puter "coming of age". To continue the human age analogy, that first computer of mine was like a breech birth. It was an Atari-ST: its monitor was kinda deformed and funny and its B&W palate harkened back to television of the 1950s. It had 4 meg of RAM, which is to say, it was completely and utterly retarded by today's Terrabyte standards.

Yet, that computer traveled the world quite literally in a plastic milk crate. Now, in 2007, as it comes of age, I am proud to say that that little machine was never once sick with viruses. It's "operating system" was simple: supply electricity - after 21 years, it STILL does its farking job!

I feel like "supplying electricity" to the testicles of people who foisted Micro$oft onto the world. Your OS sucks more ass than an African Tapeworm.

Fuck it.

Is there death after life?

In recent years I've developed an interesting theory about this. People often ask the question, "Is there life after death?" I have died at least once that I can remember and now wonder whether the better question to ask is, "Is there death after life?" After my brief death, I came "back to life" but I'm not entirely convinced the life I came back to was the same one that I left. I notice lots of little subtle differences that could be quite spooky, if I allowed myself to be spooked by them. Taken to the extreme, I wonder if we don't die a little every time we sleep and dream - each day waking not just to a new day but to a new variation on life.

Science today points to "matter" - the substance of the universe - being something that "blinks" between being in existence and not being in existence. It's only the fact that particles of matter (which are simultaneously waveforms) are so small and that there are so many of them all blinking on and off at different frequencies that we perceive "continuity" in the universe. I've also come to believe that time isn't linear. Rather, time itself is periodic motion - a waveform. As a waveform it means that it moves through a 360 degree cycle - a circle - and that there is a point in time where its at zero. In other words, there is a point in time where nothing exists, just like when a single particle of matter vanishes, only to immediately come back into existence. More than this, the "big bang" isn't the beginning of time but simply this zero point in the periodic cycle of time.

Also interesting is, if it's the case that matter blinks on and off, it's perfectly analogous with the 1s and 0s of binary - the mother tongue of computers. This all sounds like The Matrix, but I don't believe in any kung-fu Super Jesus characters like Neo.

Getting back to life and death, we see life around us being born, growing and aging, and finally dying. But if everything in the universe is the duality of particles and waveforms, the "interference" of so many different frequency of vibrations is such that it creates the illusion of continuity that we perceive as life and death.

Sagittarius & Pisces

When Sagittarius and Pisces join together in a love match, a relationship of realized dreams is formed. Sagittarius is more of a thinker and philosophizer, easily drifting around from one pursuit to the next. Pisces is more inward, involved in the shifting of their own mindscape. They are opposites in some respects, and to outsiders may seem an unlikely pair. But as their love for one another grows, they are more likely to be able to satisfy the philosophical cravings of the other and maintain a healthy relationship.

Sagittarius is outgoing and versatile, and in a relationship with Pisces often comes to the defense of their gentler partner. Pisces, in turn, gives Sagittarius subtle understanding and a place to escape from their tireless endeavors. Pisces is a Sign that, like Water, adapts easily to its surroundings; Pisces tends to focus much energy on understanding and sympathizing with their partner. They are often more patient with Sagittarius's aloofness than other Signs. Sagittarius's active pursuit of knowledge combines with Pisces's gentle compassion towards others to give both partners a self-awareness that doesn't pass into egocentricity and isn't overly accommodating, such as Pisces alone may be.

Sagittarius and Pisces are both ruled by the Planet Jupiter. Pisces is also ruled by Neptune. Jupiter brings exploration and outreach to both Signs. Pisces is concerned with this aspect in an abstract sense; they often find themselves trying to save the world (perhaps in the form of recycling or environmentalism). Sagittarius, on the other hand, prefers to broaden their horizons through academics. Neptune is about big pictures, ideas and illusions; but it's also involved with disillusion and fantasy. Sagittarius can help Pisces plant its feet on the ground. Jupiter works through Pisces to put a gentler touch on Sagittarius's occasional hotheaded outbursts.

Sagittarius is a Fire Sign and Pisces is a Water Sign. These two elements can form a great couple if they give in a little, using innate understanding of situations and people to get matters resolved. Pisces can offer Sagittarius direction and help them learn to be gentler, while Sagittarius teaches Pisces to go out and explore the world. This couple will enjoy traveling together. Pisces can be emotionally draining for the Archer at times, too much Water dampening Sagittarius's fiery spirit. Conversely, too much Fire can boil the Water and leave Pisces steaming. Sagittarius and Pisces must use their perceptive skills to enhance the relationship, always focusing on what the other needs.

Sagittarius and Pisces are both Mutable Signs. Neither partner feels a need to dominate the relationship. They enjoy equality and like to see their ideas come to fruition. Pisces gets great happiness from helping Sagittarius. Sagittarius and Pisces enjoy dreaming up ideas and putting them into action. No one is preoccupied with end results; for this couple, the fun is in the journey! A lack of conflict over roles helps Sagittarius and Pisces work toward the same goals with great success.

What's the best aspect of the Sagittarius-Pisces relationship? It's that they can benefit from one another's wisdom and at the same time get along so well together. Pisces shows Sagittarius how to empathize and care; Sagittarius teaches Pisces how to turn fantasy into reality! The ability of each to provide what the other lacks makes theirs a truly reciprocal relationship.

Ok, it's official: I am an insipient absent-minded professor!

It goes like this: I got all dressed up for my meeting and turned up at the arranged location with my usual pathological earliness. I read a bit (more of that later) as a kind of mental twiddling of the thumbs until 11 am rolled around. It came: it went. At 11.06 am I phoned the aforementioned to enquire as to his whereabouts, but "no answer" was the stern reply. I read some more. Maybe I got the time wrong. Maybe, the meeting was scheduled for 11.30 am. At 11.27 am I phoned again and got a reply:

Me: Hi, where are you?

Him: Did you call me earlier?

Me: Yes, I'm at (the place - I wasn't sure I had it right) - where are you?

Him: The meeting is tomorrow!

Me: (Thinking "tomorrow" is Saturday and wondering how I could have gotten it so wrong) It is? It IS Friday today, isn't it?

Him: (cell phone breaking up a bit) No, it's Thursday.

Me: Oh. Fuck. See you tomorrow.

*click*

Sometimes, it sucks to be me...

I've been patiently waiting for three months to hear whether or not I was successful in my scholarship application: I wasn't. The letter I received didn't explain why except to say, "There were a lot of applicants for relatively few scholarships." The italics are mine. How many is "relatively few"? Two? Seven hundred thirty-seven? This "relatively few" is in stark contrast to the bright, shiny, happy web page for scholarship prospects, published by the university, that gives the impression there is a money printing press owned by the university and virtually everybody who applies will be successful. I guess I'm not really surprised, but still. It's going to make things next year more financially difficult than I anticipated, but it won't be the first time in my life I've had to hustle to survive.

I mentioned in an earlier entry that I planned to move to Newcastle next year. That was dependant on getting a scholarship AND a bit of part-time work tutoring at the university. Now, unless I can wangle a full-time position, I'll stay put where I am and continue as an external student. It's a long-shot, but I have a meeting later today with my PhD supervisor and will discuss all of this with him. He has some influence there, but how much influence remains to be seen.

On a brighter note, only two more sleeps until my birthday. I'll be forty-five for the first time in my life! Yay! Numerologically, it's a 9 - a revolutionary number. Nine planets; nine Beethoven symphonies. In math number theory, 9 is a lucky number. So yeah, despite the setback, I'm looking forward to next year. Bring it on, baybee!

Annotated Astrology - Sagittarius & Leo

The only leos I've known in the past were all men. I always got along really well with them, despite the occasional irrits over vanity issues (theirs threatening to overshadow mine). But I've never met any leo women - not that I can remember, anyway, and certainly none that I've had any sort of relationship with. So it comes as a very pleasant surprise that I've recently met one and, in the brief time we've known each other, have come to regard her as a delightful companion. I say "companion" in the sense of "friend with some benefits". Alas, she's married with two adorable kids, and I'm not a marriage wrecker so, chances of anything more intimate and long term are remote at best. A picture I've seen of her husband brandishing an assault rifle and handgun is also reason enough not to mess around beyond the online realm. Also, the shared interest that brought us together in the first place is one that she currently shares with some other guy. I'm fine with that too. Anyway, here's what the astrologer over at Yahoo has to say about sagittarius and leo hooking up:

When Leo and Sagittarius join together in a love match, the result is often fireworks! Both Signs are extremely dynamic and enjoy life to the fullest. This couple is full of life and fun to be around, with each person encouraging the other to aim high! Sagittarius's philosophical tendency warrants a distraction to Leo's obsession with the larger-than-life. The two will have genuine admiration and respect for one another. Both are warm, charismatic and charming; people enjoy being in the energy this couple radiates.

Both Signs can be impatient but endearing, and Leo may be annoyed by Sagittarius's flirting, but there's never a dull moment in their relationship. Sagittarius sees the world as a textbook they must study from, while Leo acts as the gracious host. Both are extremely social, but it is vitally important to Leo that they feel that they are in control of the conversation. Leo is the Lion, the leader, while Sagittarius is the Archer, slowly taking the time to survey their target and feel the nuances of difference in their approach. Both Signs are usually respected by others, and it's important that each remembers to treat the other with the utmost respect as well.

Leo is ruled by the Sun and Sagittarius is ruled by the Planet Jupiter. Both are masculine energy archetypes, and together they make a good combination -- they understand one another because they are so similar. The Sun is about Self and Jupiter is about expansion and excess, together providing a personal and outward focus on themselves and the world, although sometimes they can overexert themselves. They're highly compatible with lots of energy, and can be a wonderful couple in any setting or situation.

Both Leo and Sagittarius are Fire Signs. This tends to be a very heated and passionate relationship. They both have boundless energy, and can seem the only ones able to keep up with one another's intensity. Although Sagittarius may become exhausted by Leo's expansive ego, their differences of opinion won't last long -- Sagittarius has moved on to the next project and Leo's optimism and need for a fan club overcome a petty argument.

Leo is a Fixed Sign and Sagittarius is a Mutable Sign. Sagittarius provides Leo with the deeper understanding they may be lacking, while Leo can fine-tune Sagittarius's charm and social graces. Sagittarius may be irritated by Leo's bossiness, shallow vanity and tendency to sulk. However, they are both loyal and devoted to one another, and the rewards of their union outweigh the minor setbacks.

What's the best aspect of the Leo-Sagittarius relationship? It's the willingness to work as a team and the mutual admiration they exhibit when dedicated to seeing things through. This duo complements one another with a combined attention to personal and world affairs. They both know their place in the relationship. Their comparable high energy and fiery passion makes them a versatile love match.

Radical Christmas Light Displays

In case you're wondering, the music is Wizards in Winter by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. There's another version below:



And this, another display to an arrangement of Queen of the Night (Mozart) again by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: