“The software is functioning as intended,” said Amber. “Wait,” I asked, “so it’s supposed to delete my personal files from my internal hard drive without asking my permission?” “Yes,” she replied. …
Source: Apple Stole My Music. No, Seriously. | vellumatlanta
In no particular order:
2) R.E.M.’s Life’s Rich Pageant album
3) Suzanne Vega’s (self-titled) first album
4) Godspell Soundtrack (1971 Off-Broadway Cast)
5) The Damned’s Phantasmagoria album
Looking at these, I do see a pattern. Well, except for the Godspell album. The rest of the listed albums came out in 1985/1986. I have owned these on cassette, as well as vinyl; and now CD. I don’t have anything profound to share. At least, nothing that would mean anything to anyone else. These albums resonate in my memory. They take me back to my early college years. I was quite the raging idiot in those days. Luckily, I have come a long way since that time.
AUTHOR SIDE NOTE: The play, GODSPELL, is religious. It is based on the Book Of Matthew, which is the section of the Bible that has to do with the life of Christ. My appreciation for this album is based on the incredible music, meaningful lyrics, and clever presentation. For the record, my spiritual path took a different direction over time. I am not proselytizing, nor do I seek to be subjected to the process. I believe everyone is responsible for their own spiritual choices. For those seeking enlightenment, please consult your local priest/minister/Imam/Shaman/ Priestess/Wise woman/ etc.
I will admit this out loud: I find many supernatural topics, especially the concept of ghosts, interesting.
However, my education and training in the education and medical fields requires me to consider such things as the scientific process, logic, and the avoidance of assumptions. The entertainment value drops significantly when any paranormal show becomes a video collage of untrained, emotionally volatile and easily scattered people leap around in allegedly haunted places. Television shows like T.A.P.S. and Paranormal State are more aligned with my need for some application of a systematic approach. The T.A.P.S. members include those who were in HVAC or some such related field that allows them to understand the science of what might be causing some phenomenons in their research. I also appreciate their approach as cynics; “Is there a logical, perhaps easy explanation for what the homeowner is experiencing?” Paranormal State, which as far as I know is no longer on the air, also had some reasoning behind the investigations. They would do research on the site, but not necessarily reveal anything to the owners until after the investigation. They would also not tell their mediums (who would do readings of the alleged haunted areas) the background or history either. I will say that Chip (the guest medium on Paranormal State) was overly dramatic, most of the time. Oops, I think I spoke too soon. Apparently, Paranormal State was caught faking an investigation.
I have watched The Haunting, which are like documentaries about various supernatural events. When Ghosts Attack is another show that I have watched. Then there is one on the Animal Planet Channel that features animals that react to alleged supernatural events. Those tend to be less dramatic than The Haunting show.
Anyway, my point was more about Zak Bagans. I believe he is part of a show called Ghost Adventures. He and his buddies find an alleged scary place, lock themselves in for the night, record stuff, then present their findings. Zak Bagans, who looks more like someone who spends a great deal of time in gyms looking at his own reflection, does little to dispel that notion. His background includes graduating from a film school, and being a Wedding DJ in the Las Vegas area. There was no mention of formal training in any science field that I saw on his website. I have seen the show, but really can’t get past the jittery night vision filming. He and his cast members react to alleged supernatural interactions, such as objects moving or hearing voices. They also experience the supernatural as alleged scratches, or goosebumps on their skin. The Electronic Voice Phenomenons (EVPs) do not strike me as being all that clear. I have yet to see anything on their video clips that appears to be truly supernatural. As for assumptions, Zak makes them by the truck load. When he is not blathering his way through an investigation, he is antagonizing ghosts by mocking them. Essentially, locker room trash talk – a theme that I am sure he is familiar with – with his buddies during lifting sessions at the gym. I am guessing that the ghosts he’s trying to contact are probably just ignoring him, at that point.
Personally, I think that the probability of some type of spiritual residue may be left in this realm when people die. I do not know if we are not destined to ever interact with those forces, much like not likely being able to travel anywhere near the speed of light. However, it is interesting to speculate on the possibilities. I have spent some evenings going through youtube videos of alleged apparitions/poltergeists/etc. Some videos seem more legitimate than others, but it does get you thinking. Either way, Zak Bagans is….well, I will let you put your own word here.
-D
I have already found it annoying that people who initiate conversation with me, then use their phones during that conversation, to be annoying. I have also been somewhat creeped out by people who can’t seem to get enough of their own photos. It’s like being your own paparazzi. You love yourself in a celebrity-like way, as well as tapping into the zeal of those who chase that celeb around. Narcissism never had it so good.
Good Morning America, once again, brings their “A-game” to the journalistic table. This same hard-hitting, no-holes-barred reporting has brought us stories about how celebrities cope with paper cuts, which dresses are the shiniest on their stations other shows, and playing all those viral youtube videos.
Congratulations. You have become the televised version of People magazine.
Just saw this commercial from Trump on CNN. It seems the greatamericapac.com only offers the option of expressing outrage that Trump is having forces align against him. It’s not the establishment trying to keep you out. It’s not the rules be unfair. The forces that are aligning against you because some of us don’t believe you have the skill set to be a President. It speaks volumes that you are not offering an option to offer conflicting opinion.
#optiontwo
#buildawallaroundTrump
#dontvotefortheorangeman
10) They are still looking a secret treasure that Justice Antonin Scalia is rumored to have buried in his office.
9) The GOP are still combing through the Constitution for a “If I can’t have my way; you can’t either” loophole.
8) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell still bitter after getting called “Mr. Magoo” by all of the popular Congress kids.
7) They have to wash their hair that day.
6) Their psychic advisor warned against making any decisions for the next year because Mercury is in retrograde.
5) They need to check with large corporate special interest groups to see if it’s o.k. first
4) Leaving the such an important decision to President Donald Trump makes perfect sense. (and people say the GOP are out of touch!)
3) There is a movie marathon on Lifetime television, and they just want some “me” time right now.
2) They are still in-fighting about whether or not to host “bring your daughter to work day,” but are struggling to figure out what they actually do for a living to be able to explain it.
1) Obstructionism, pure and simple.
The latest rounds of commercials have various women wanting to talk about the “romantic arts” that involve male genitalia. Nobody knows who they are. They invite complete strangers into their luxurious homes. then suddenly, they want to be confidants and advise us about what our partner (it’s not like she’s asking to see the results of taking these ‘little blue pills’) wants. There is also no mention of credentials that involve training or certification of a medical or psychological nature. We don’t even get to hear a mention of any counseling in this woman’s background. Sounds risky, even before considering that taking the advice of a random female to apply to another relationship is inherently foolish and/or dangerous. Imagine THAT conversation!
Would you discuss your genitals with a complete stranger on an elevator? In the check-out line in Wal*Mart? What if this woman step out of a non-descript van with the words “Free Candy” spraypainted on the side of it? THE ANSWER IS NO. Which, of course, leads to the question of who is the target audience is. There are many different scenarios where this (and the competitor) can be used, even in non-romantic scenarios. Had this woman and her counterparts had some medical training, they might have known that. Does this woman even know what happens after “lasting longer than four hours??” Try surgical intervention.
Maybe even Kelly Hu (Actress who plays Deathstrike on the X-Men movie series) who has joined the odd bevy of genital-curious women could even a strange portent ….as she plays a character that have adamantium claws (what was that about ‘surgical intervention?). It’s not like we really know her either, nor is she any more likely to want to see what happens with pill administration here, too. Goes to show you that you can’t believe everything on television.
Consider yourself warned!
Author note: This post was inspired by a recent discussion I have had with friends. While I am a big fan of horror movies (and reading horror, as well); this zombie thing is just silly.
Zombies have obviously captured the imagination of the masses. I know that The Walking Dead television show is incredibly popular. However, there isn’t enough science for me to capture my imagination.
First of all, there is some pathogenic cause to becoming a zombie. The evolutionary success of a “zombie germ” would likely be:
So, being bloodborne is a fairly good start. Getting bitten by a zombie has possibilities. However, some strains are so virulent (28 Days Later, and 28 Weeks Later) that being splashed with zombie blood…and, at one point, having one zombie blood drop fall into a victim’s eye turns that person almost instantly. Minutes before that scene, one person defends themselves with a baseball bat – that all sorts of blood splatters everywhere. Main characters must have a stronger immunity, huh? The time between exposure and infection can vary, as well. Probably having a lot to do with the significance of the role of affected character than actual immune response. It’s not clear on how long the zombie pathogen can survive outside the body. Hoards of zombies roam the streets, at some point, which is an infectivity buzz kill. The germ can’t mutate if it is no longer spread among hosts. Zombies, in theory, would just die off and take the infection with them.
Which brings us to the implausible anatomy and physiology of the zombie. Anatomically, the zombie is an open mechanical system of muscle and bone. The bone supports the frame, and the muscle provides the framework for movement. But the system is leaking fluids, the skin is compromised, and the fluids are exposed to air. Things dry out, unless replenished. Muscle and bone without the fluid would become fibrous and immovable, at least, at some point. Physiologically, the system would also need a means of fuel – as well as the removal of the waste (as no energy generation is completely efficient) – needs to occur. As decay has visibly set in, and open system would not support the energy exchange either.
So, with a great deal of embellishment and massive amounts of “suspension of disbelief;” zombies perpetually stumble around – but still manage to catch up with humans healthy enough to survive (Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs having been met, for the most part) can still get caught and infected.
Sorry. Zombies do not float my imagination boat.
10) Name tag either says Larry, Curly, Moe or Shemp
9) Barely made it through coffee clinical
8) Lungs still sore over break room ‘cinnamon challenge’
7) Unable to concentrate during training because of the large mole on trainer’s forehead.
6) Still kinda freaked out after bombing the “extra toppings” exam
5) Frustrated that a customer said I probably couldnt find my butt with two hands and a flashlight.
4) Became upset when wasn’t able to find my butt with two hands and a flashlight
3) Feeling horrible after starting the Dr. Oz “take all herbal supplements that begin with ‘G’ ” diet
2) Worried that the boss might find out about being a Waffle House double agent.
1) Haven’t quite overcome strange, irrational fear of “everything” bagels. (What EXACTLY do they put in those things!?)
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