Today I gchatted about conspiracy theories (which I am a conspiracy theorist, well mainly the belief that the people with money rule the world and control the masses, the office is like a prison which they have created to sedate us, the corporations control the government ect. ect.), and listened to the M.I.A. song Paper Planes about 100 times.
In other news, Barney Frank introduced a marijuana decriminalization bill to Congress, which has little chance of getting passed (see above comments)...but its still definitely a step in the right direction! You could have up to 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces, without penalty.
Also, Swami Swami Ramdev is planning to build a $20 million dollar yoga and Ayurveda center in Texas. I would maybe consider working there one day, but I doubt I would like to live in Texas or work at such a large facility. I'm probably going to do something on a smaller scale, if thats where my path in life takes me. My advice from my spiritual advisor today, is that if you don't know what to do in life, or not sure what path to take, just say to yourself "Let it work" and rest in a state of inaction and be worry free. Because there are other forces at work that you probably just aren't aware of or can't see, that are aligning for your future path.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mellifluous Monday
A must-read article on the Future of Physics. If you read only one physics article I post here, this should be it! I think its interesting that when the moon is full, at high tide, the land near Geneva rises 25 cm, and the LHC's circumference increases by 1 millimeter, and the beam energy changes by 0.02 percent. The experimenters must allow for this effect. Another interesting fact, the proton velocity in the LHC is 99.9999991% of light speed.
More on the LHC from the New Yorker, a Crash Course
A chill song I've been listening to today: Ghost Hardware
Mix by Dave J
Image: Bubble chamber
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Stuff White People Like
You've probably already seen this but I'll post it anyway, because BYT did their own version of the website...I would also say that almost all of these apply to me.
Stuff White People Like
BYT Version
<3
Stuff White People Like
BYT Version
<3
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Jazz in Albuquerque
Spiritual centers: This topic has interested me ever since I talked to an Acupuncturist who told me that the major spiritual centers in the world, or any place where many people have reached enlightenment or have felt drawn to, usually has a large crystal/mineral deposit underneath it when you look at the geology of the area. I thought this was an interesting idea because I had read about a spot in Tibet where many Dalai Lamas and monks had come to meditate and were enlightened, I wonder if it had something to do with the minerals there.
I began thinking about this after I heard this story on npr yesterday, about Jazz in Albuquerque. I came across a few Ayurveda schools in Albuquerque when I was doing some research earlier this year, and I was wondering if maybe it is one of these spiritual centers that people are drawn to. I don't like the term "New Age", but it also reminded me of this interesting website I read about Asheville, NC.
I began thinking about this after I heard this story on npr yesterday, about Jazz in Albuquerque. I came across a few Ayurveda schools in Albuquerque when I was doing some research earlier this year, and I was wondering if maybe it is one of these spiritual centers that people are drawn to. I don't like the term "New Age", but it also reminded me of this interesting website I read about Asheville, NC.
The Story of Stuff
For now, my blog has a black background in order to save energy but there's still a debate over whether or not a black background will save energy due to a longer reading time vs. a white screen.
For those in the Old Town Alexandria area, morning Sadhana at Pure Prana is free! Although it is at 5 am on Monday morning:
Wiki category of the day: Herbs
Wiki category of the day pt.2: Spices
The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard, what a great link that I think is very important for all consumers to watch.
The future of particle physics: how the LHC works
Question of the day: Do you believe in the evolution of human consciousness?
Quote of the day: "You couldn't fit me in a blog"- Vincent, in response to the comment that I should make my blog about his life.
For those in the Old Town Alexandria area, morning Sadhana at Pure Prana is free! Although it is at 5 am on Monday morning:
"By adhering to Yogi Bhajan's urging to practice yoga before sunrise, we work on our personal issues in the most neutral time of the day (called the Ambrosial Hours), and we catch the awakening waves of the earth which sustain us throughout the day."
Wiki category of the day: Herbs
Wiki category of the day pt.2: Spices
The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard, what a great link that I think is very important for all consumers to watch.
The future of particle physics: how the LHC works
Question of the day: Do you believe in the evolution of human consciousness?
Quote of the day: "You couldn't fit me in a blog"- Vincent, in response to the comment that I should make my blog about his life.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Amazing Stat: California uses more gas than China
From WIRED Science:
"Given all the news coverage about the rise of the Chinese economy, you could be forgiven for thinking that the world's most populous country is hogging all the world's resources, while the developed nations are fighting for scraps.
"Given all the news coverage about the rise of the Chinese economy, you could be forgiven for thinking that the world's most populous country is hogging all the world's resources, while the developed nations are fighting for scraps.
But, at least with transportation fuel, you'd be wrong. California alone uses more gasoline than any country in the world (except the US as a whole, of course). That means California's 20 billion gallon gasoline and diesel habit is greater than China's! (Or Russia's. Or India's. Or Brazil's. Or Germany's.)
That's according to the California Energy Commission's State Alternative Fuels Plan, which was posted online last Christmas Eve (pdf). The whole report makes for some fascinating reading because it's a blueprint for a low-carbon and renewable transportation fuel future. The dominant takeaway: it ain't going to be easy.
One more choice statistic: gasoline usage in California has increased 50 percent, that's 10 6.7 billion gallons, since 1988. Has there been anything close to a commensurate increase in quality of life here to accompany that rise in energy use?
But China's oil thirst is growing -- to almost 20 billion gallons in 2007 -- and perhaps as early as this year, China's 1.3 billion people will overtake California's 37 million people in total gasoline and diesel usage."
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Hustlin'
Sunscreen info from the Environmental Working Group
Soulful Relationships by Steve Pavlina, I like this point that he makes:
Everyone you meet in your life — even total strangers — is already intimately connected to you. The idea that we are all separate and distinct beings is nothing but an illusion. We are all parts of a larger whole, like individual cells in a body.Gridskipper Washington DC: is a blog about travel and leisure, written especially for urban dwellers who appreciate the need to get off the grid from time to time.
A Midsummer Guide To Berry Picking in DMV
Wiki-of-the-day, the Golden Ratio
Oceolot kitten image-thank you Marcus
Feng Shui Tips: Bedroom
Feng shui, "Earth Acupuncture", is the practice of clearing space in order to allow qi to flow positively. Above all, the most important part of Feng Shui is that you feel comfortable in your space. Basically, use common sense, and make the best choices possible for the unique space you are working with. We talked a little bit about feng shui in my Chinese Medicine class, and I have picked up some tips through books and articles I have read, here are a few:
Position of bed in bedroom: Ideally, it should be with the feet facing the door, but have the bed moved to the right or the left corner of the room, depending on which side the door is on. The bed should be as far away from the door as possible. In the case that someone enters the room, you will have the most time to react to them, as well as events in your life. This position of the bed indicates that you have more control over your space, and your life. Be sure the bed is accessible from both sides. Secondly, if an option, the bed would ideally have the head in the east and the foot in the west, for meditative sleep.
No clutter: An important part of feng shui is to not let your space get cluttered or untidy. Keeping your space clean is a good practice. Clutter can cause qi to have a negative flow, or stagnate, and getting rid of it will help the qi to flow naturally and positively again through your space and your life.
Crystals: Crystals can be positioned at strategic locations to bring more energy to those locations, depending on what areas of your life you are focusing on. I like to hang a small crystal in my window (I also like the rainbows created when sunlight hits the crystal--it reminds me of the electromagnetic spectrum.)
Plants: Plants bring good qi to a room. Below is a picture of a plant and salt crystal in my bedroom.
Mirrors: Should not face the bed. Should not be placed so that your image is distorted in any way when you look at the mirror.
Bedroom overall: Have proper balance, but should have more yin energy, as it is a place to sleep and recharge. Be aware of the effects of images and colors you choose. Do not have a TV in your bedroom and if so, try to have it somewhere that it can be covered, like in a piece of furniture that can be closed if the TV is not in use. Limit electronics as much as possible in the bedroom, due to the electromagnetic frequencies. Do not have anything under the bed, this will also impede the flow of qi. The center of the room should be open, do not place anything directly in the center.
Position of bed in bedroom: Ideally, it should be with the feet facing the door, but have the bed moved to the right or the left corner of the room, depending on which side the door is on. The bed should be as far away from the door as possible. In the case that someone enters the room, you will have the most time to react to them, as well as events in your life. This position of the bed indicates that you have more control over your space, and your life. Be sure the bed is accessible from both sides. Secondly, if an option, the bed would ideally have the head in the east and the foot in the west, for meditative sleep.
No clutter: An important part of feng shui is to not let your space get cluttered or untidy. Keeping your space clean is a good practice. Clutter can cause qi to have a negative flow, or stagnate, and getting rid of it will help the qi to flow naturally and positively again through your space and your life.
Crystals: Crystals can be positioned at strategic locations to bring more energy to those locations, depending on what areas of your life you are focusing on. I like to hang a small crystal in my window (I also like the rainbows created when sunlight hits the crystal--it reminds me of the electromagnetic spectrum.)
Plants: Plants bring good qi to a room. Below is a picture of a plant and salt crystal in my bedroom.
Mirrors: Should not face the bed. Should not be placed so that your image is distorted in any way when you look at the mirror.
Bedroom overall: Have proper balance, but should have more yin energy, as it is a place to sleep and recharge. Be aware of the effects of images and colors you choose. Do not have a TV in your bedroom and if so, try to have it somewhere that it can be covered, like in a piece of furniture that can be closed if the TV is not in use. Limit electronics as much as possible in the bedroom, due to the electromagnetic frequencies. Do not have anything under the bed, this will also impede the flow of qi. The center of the room should be open, do not place anything directly in the center.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"One of the best happy hours you've never heard of" (before reading below)
It's tonight! (And Every Wed.) I'm planning on going. This happy hour is ideal for many reasons: mediterranean lounge setting, good drinks (ketel one specials!), and of course, pleasantly chill music thats hard to find elsewhere in DC.
Teddy
One of my favorite short stories, Teddy, by J.D. Salinger
"You know what was in that apple? Logic. Logic and intellectual stuff. That was all that was in it. So--this is my point--what you have to do is vomit it up if you want to see things as they really are. I mean if you vomit it up, then you won't have any more trouble with blocks of wood and stuff. You won't see everything stopping off all the time. And you'll know what your arm really is, if you're interested. Do you know what I mean? Do you follow me?"
"You know what was in that apple? Logic. Logic and intellectual stuff. That was all that was in it. So--this is my point--what you have to do is vomit it up if you want to see things as they really are. I mean if you vomit it up, then you won't have any more trouble with blocks of wood and stuff. You won't see everything stopping off all the time. And you'll know what your arm really is, if you're interested. Do you know what I mean? Do you follow me?"
Superfoods, among other things, including the Eagle Nebula
I rode my bike this morning to work, as usual, and also included the superfood spirulina in my breakfast smoothie.
SciCentral: "The gateway to the best science news sources"
Brightest Young Things: A website for living in DC, whats going on in the city, ect. --Thanks Bloom!
Shenandoah National Park
Lunchtime quote: "SOBER - Son of a bitch, Everything's real"
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
In Defense of Food
The book I most recently read, an excellent response to the "supposedly incredibly complicated and confusing question of what we humans should eat in order to be maximally healthy."
Its not as hard as it seems
One of my favorite radio stations here in DC, especially from 10 pm to 11 pm for the Decipher Stream (hip hop): WPFW 89.3Some days, I think I would like to be a Zen monk, here are some good tips for living like one.
The Zen Habits blog is a decent blog overall, I haven't spent too much time on it besides skimming a few articles.
Deoxy.org I've spent a lot of time on this website a few years ago, some of the stuff is a bit out there, but a lot of it is interesting. Its kind of hard to navigate, the pull down menu at the top with "deoxy.org" in it is a list of links to all the other topics on the website.
Quantum Entanglement, a wikipedia explanation.
The Earth Sangha is an environmental meditation group in Alexandria
Taoism quote: In the pursuit of learning, every day something is acquired. In the pursuit of Tao, every day something is dropped. - Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
p.s. if youre reading this....I miss you Jen & Jenny!!
Scratching the Surface
Tonight I saw my first Alexandria sunset since I moved here in January. I watched it from the 4th floor pool deck of my aunt's apartment building. It was the most beautiful thing I have seen in a while, but nothing compared to Blacksburg sunsets.
Naqoyqatsi, a movie I watched last night with Scott. I watched another one of the trilogy a few years ago in college, I think.
Jazz in the Garden, every Friday at the Sculpture Garden in DC
"The world we live in is created by the visions we hold. By focusing our energy on what inspires us rather than what we fear, we manifest the world we desire. Gaia Community is an online space to share this intention with like-minded people, so that together we can make the world a better place. " Kind of like facebook because its a social networking site, but a lot different.
Some amateur astronomy...Venus joins Jupiter, Mars, Saturn Evenings: Beginning around July 16, Venus can be seen in the evening sky it will be visible for the rest of summer.
JupiterMoon: These two celestial bodies appear together at sunset on July 16 and 17.
(source: my Ecological Calendar).
Twenty-five of Hubble's Greatest Hits: Some of the best images from the Hubble over the past 17 years. There will definitely be more National Geographic posts--they have a great website. I really like the Veil Nebula, 1994, Omega Centauri, 1997, Swan Nebula 1999, Cat's Eye Nebula 2002, Hubble Ultra Deep Field, 2003, . The caption paragraphs for each picture are really informative. For example, the one on Gamma Ray Bursts:
"Gamma ray bursts (GRB),* as a result of GRB 971214, were determined to be the most energetic phenomena in the universe known to scientists. Prior to the detection of GRBs, supernovae were thought to be the most powerful explosions.
The energy a gamma ray burst releases is equal to all the energy radiated by our entire galaxy over a couple of centuries. Astronomers think the burst by GRB 971214 may have released several hundred times the energy of a supernova.
* Gamma ray bursts (GRB) are flashes of high-energy radiation that appear from random directions in space and usually last only a few seconds."
New Radiohead Video
Link to Kanye's blog post featuring the "House of Cards" video & more info
No cameras or lights were used. Instead two technologies were used to capture 3D images: Geometric Informatics and Velodyne LIDAR.
No cameras or lights were used. Instead two technologies were used to capture 3D images: Geometric Informatics and Velodyne LIDAR.
Hustlin'
Hypem a music blog which compiles songs from a ton of other music blogs, click on the popup player for all the songs to play continuously...so awesome!! -thanks Vincent
Cityfile, a site about rich people in NYC
LHC "Dreams and Nightmares"...so excited!! The LHC is what particle physicists have been waiting for 14 years for to test their theories (I have been following its progress for about 4 years now...with excitement and anticipation...I can only imagine how the physicists working on the project must feel! I almost applied for an internship at CERN for a summer during college but as I wasn't a physics major, I decided not to...well this was around the time I was considering double majoring in physics and engineering). Currently the theories have surpassed experimental ability/capacity, and this particle accelerator will smash protons together at higher speeds than ever before in order to test the theories.
A great hiking resource for northern VA including the Shennandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest. This link is a map of VA showing many hikes in the area. If you move your cursor over the hike it will highlight the hike and give you the name, distance, and a short description. Then click on the hike for more info.
Wiki link... pertaining to "The Secret"
The Secret is a book which tells you that the law of affirmations is true, and that your thoughts will manifest themselves, and your thoughts have power to attract things in your life, good or bad, depending on your thoughts. Therefore think positive thoughts to bring abundance into your life. Saying a mantra or focusing on a goal that you want to achieve, in a positive light, will bring it into existence.
One of my favorites, Steve Pavlina, tells you why you shouldn't get a job--thanks Bloom
xoxo
First Blog Post!
Today is my first post! I don't know why I got so inspired to start a blog today, something just told me that I had to, and put this above all other priorities. I intend for this blog to be an amalgam of interesting sites and articles I find which will mainly include topics such as science, religion, nature, art, music... basically anything that catches my eye. A few afternoon posts to start out:
MGMT
This is a band I have been listening to a bit recently..they are good!
Ever wonder about the position of the sun in the sky?
This past year I have been wondering about the position of the sun in the sky a lot and the earth's orbit around the sun. I know humans have been documenting this for thousands of years but its fun to figure it out on your own. I have been able to track the path of the morning sun from my office window, here every morning since last September. I just note where it is at around 9:45 everyday usually, and just watch its path change throughout the year across my window. It's been interesting! Not to mention since I'm a cloudspotter, and I'm always glancing to see what the clouds are doing too.
Expect many wikipedia links on this blog...here's a link to the basil page in the herbs category, because I have been using the fresh basil from our garden in my cooking lately.
Will post more later today before going to the swimming pool and reading The Cloudspotter's Guide. The Cloudspotter's Guide is an awesome book, best for poolside reading while watching the clouds. Each chapter is devoted to a specific cloud type and the author weaves in cultural and historical stories about the cloud as well. Also, there's a great chart in the beginning showing all cloud types and the altitudes at which they occur.
Also, I am working on following the advice of my spiritual advisor and being patient and aware of everything around me.
Buddhist quote:
The greatest achievement is selflessness. The greatest worth is self-mastery. The greatest quality is seeking to serve others. The greatest precept is continual awareness. The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything. The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways. The greatest magic is transmuting the passions. The greatest generosity is non-attachment. The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind. The greatest patience is humility. The greatest effort is not concerned with results. The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go. The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances. - Atisha ...
MGMT
This is a band I have been listening to a bit recently..they are good!
Ever wonder about the position of the sun in the sky?
This past year I have been wondering about the position of the sun in the sky a lot and the earth's orbit around the sun. I know humans have been documenting this for thousands of years but its fun to figure it out on your own. I have been able to track the path of the morning sun from my office window, here every morning since last September. I just note where it is at around 9:45 everyday usually, and just watch its path change throughout the year across my window. It's been interesting! Not to mention since I'm a cloudspotter, and I'm always glancing to see what the clouds are doing too.
Expect many wikipedia links on this blog...here's a link to the basil page in the herbs category, because I have been using the fresh basil from our garden in my cooking lately.
Will post more later today before going to the swimming pool and reading The Cloudspotter's Guide. The Cloudspotter's Guide is an awesome book, best for poolside reading while watching the clouds. Each chapter is devoted to a specific cloud type and the author weaves in cultural and historical stories about the cloud as well. Also, there's a great chart in the beginning showing all cloud types and the altitudes at which they occur.
Also, I am working on following the advice of my spiritual advisor and being patient and aware of everything around me.
Buddhist quote:
The greatest achievement is selflessness. The greatest worth is self-mastery. The greatest quality is seeking to serve others. The greatest precept is continual awareness. The greatest medicine is the emptiness of everything. The greatest action is not conforming with the worlds ways. The greatest magic is transmuting the passions. The greatest generosity is non-attachment. The greatest goodness is a peaceful mind. The greatest patience is humility. The greatest effort is not concerned with results. The greatest meditation is a mind that lets go. The greatest wisdom is seeing through appearances. - Atisha ...
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