What can we expect when the electromagnetic field surrounding the Earth reverses - or flips - polarity? Everyone is so concerned about global warming - but a much bigger problem could very well be looming right around the corner. How often does the magnetic poles reverse? What causes this to happen? Most believe it has to do with a line up of the planets, etc. - in such a way as to give a greater gravitational pull on the "weaker" pole - thus reversing it. This would likely be instantaneous - like when attempting to put two magnets together at the same poles.
The big question is: Will this affect the world in some fashion? My answer is yes. If the electromagnetic field of the Earth reverses, the electric currents will also reverse - in order to compensate. If you put a battery in backwards, the object it is meant to power will not function. Our electrical gadgets will be rendered useless - including batteries, since they too have a polarity. My concern is the nuclear reactors and other modern conveniences ceasing to function at a critical moment.
I have been seeing a date mentioned for this. So far it looks to be only superstitious nonsense. However, it does mention two astronomical events occurring which do so every 26,000 years. Our computer systems, automobiles, electric appliances, and the rest of the global power grid will go down. These phenomena need to be verified and precautions taken. All power, everywhere on Earth will have to be shut down simultaneously to make the proper conversions - or else catastrophe will strike.
So what are we going to do about it?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
The Problem with Success: The Reasoning Behind the Fear
In my last post I discussed the Fear of Success that is so rampant in our society. It is illogical and unreasonable to fear success since it is naturally equated with happiness and joy. It is also associated with a decrease in insecurity. We measure success often enough with financial security. People who are financially successful have financial security - and don't need to constantly worry about providing a roof over their heads or food to eat. Their basic necessities are not a problem for them. Basic survival is not as big an issue for them as it is for the rest of us peons. This is where the problem - the fear - comes into play - but in a twisted sort of way. It's all psychological.
Most of us little peons - underachievers - watched our parents and other relatives struggle to make ends meet. In effect the term WORK is equated in our psyches as hard, difficult, suffering, painful, the need to sacrifice - or give up - our dreams and doing things we truly need and deeply want to do more than anything else in life - like spending as much time with those we love, fulfilling our dreams - our true callings in life, etc. We are, in effect, trained to give up our lives in order to survive. We give up our quality of life in exchange for - well, life. We need to survive - but in order to do this - we believe that we have no other choice - we must give up that which makes life worth living. It is sad - and backwards thinking. Completely illogical. We therefore are the cause of our own suffering - we perpetuate it by training our children that suffering and sacrifice of what is worthwhile - is just the way things must be. Most of us cannot see any other way to live - because we are not nurtured and trained to do so. We are living contradictions:
Success = happiness + security
Success = work
Work = suffering + sacrifice + misery
Success = suffering + sacrifice + misery
[the first and last lines show the contradiction.]
I believe this proves my point. If one looks at the human psyche as a computer - then this contradiction is a self-perpetuating, self-replicating negative feedback loop. Like a fractal of negativity - or for those religious types - a spiraling fractal of evil - one that we are allowing to continue to wreak havoc on our lives and our world. As if someone or something intentionally set it there and let it run amock - letting humanity run amock - into self-destruction.
Is this something we should allow to continue? I don't think we should. Our very survival and quality of life depends on it.
Until next time... You can always get what you want. Just take the logical steps towards it - even baby steps will do.
If Bill Gates could do it - so can the rest of us.
Most of us little peons - underachievers - watched our parents and other relatives struggle to make ends meet. In effect the term WORK is equated in our psyches as hard, difficult, suffering, painful, the need to sacrifice - or give up - our dreams and doing things we truly need and deeply want to do more than anything else in life - like spending as much time with those we love, fulfilling our dreams - our true callings in life, etc. We are, in effect, trained to give up our lives in order to survive. We give up our quality of life in exchange for - well, life. We need to survive - but in order to do this - we believe that we have no other choice - we must give up that which makes life worth living. It is sad - and backwards thinking. Completely illogical. We therefore are the cause of our own suffering - we perpetuate it by training our children that suffering and sacrifice of what is worthwhile - is just the way things must be. Most of us cannot see any other way to live - because we are not nurtured and trained to do so. We are living contradictions:
Success = happiness + security
Success = work
Work = suffering + sacrifice + misery
Success = suffering + sacrifice + misery
[the first and last lines show the contradiction.]
I believe this proves my point. If one looks at the human psyche as a computer - then this contradiction is a self-perpetuating, self-replicating negative feedback loop. Like a fractal of negativity - or for those religious types - a spiraling fractal of evil - one that we are allowing to continue to wreak havoc on our lives and our world. As if someone or something intentionally set it there and let it run amock - letting humanity run amock - into self-destruction.
Is this something we should allow to continue? I don't think we should. Our very survival and quality of life depends on it.
Until next time... You can always get what you want. Just take the logical steps towards it - even baby steps will do.
If Bill Gates could do it - so can the rest of us.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Self-Destruct Programming: A Society of Underachievers
I mentioned the other day about why I keep putting my research projects on the back burner, so to speak. Well, even though it is a valid excuse - it's still an excuse. Self-sabotage. Apparently, this seems to be all too common among most people and it's hard to understand why. At its essence, it is fear of success which makes no sense at all - and we, especially Americans are way too good at it. I just read about it in Julia Cameron's Walking in this World - one of her Artist's Way books:
"Despite our culture's well-earned reputation for encouraging instant gratification, we are NOT encouraged to act decisively upon our creative desires. We are trained to think about them, doubt them, second-guess them. We are trained, in short, to talk ourselves out of committing..."
This is exactly my situation. I over think, over analyze, and sabotage the most important things I want to do and accomplish. Whether it is a very personal issue or career related, I come up with any and every excuse I can to not do what I want to, need to, and/or have a deep burning desire to do.
I guess it all comes back to my feelings of inadequacy: I feel like I'm not good enough to do this; who the heck do I think I am to believe I can do such things. Growing up, nobody wanted to hear what I had to say - I was told outright to keep my damn mouth shut because nobody wanted nor needed to hear whatever it is I wanted to say. I was told this both at home - where they just ignored me if I did say anything most of the time - and at school - by my peers. So, I was literally taught that my words had no value - and even though it makes no sense, it stays part of one's psyche and wreaks havoc at some point down the line. Barbara Sher mentions this in her books, too. We are just not nurtured or brought up to be successful. It seems that the few who "make it" do so because their parents fought past this illogical and detrimental programming. Basically, the American dream exists but for some bizarre reason, we do not deserve or have a right to it.
So, what am I doing? I am fighting it - every day and in every way I know how to. I keep going to school - keep learning. One message my mother did throw in that seems to help, albeit with difficulty - stay in school, get that degree. In a way I know she was saying - don't give up like the rest of us did - keep at it - no matter what. So I do this, I keep at it, I keep fighting and pushing past the problematical programming. And so far so good, except when those damn problems I mentioned in another post tend to throw me off track. Fortunately, one minor one is officially dealt with. Which will help with several other problems at present. Hopefully, I can get my research moving along soon.
I will post when I have more to say. CIAO!
"Despite our culture's well-earned reputation for encouraging instant gratification, we are NOT encouraged to act decisively upon our creative desires. We are trained to think about them, doubt them, second-guess them. We are trained, in short, to talk ourselves out of committing..."
This is exactly my situation. I over think, over analyze, and sabotage the most important things I want to do and accomplish. Whether it is a very personal issue or career related, I come up with any and every excuse I can to not do what I want to, need to, and/or have a deep burning desire to do.
I guess it all comes back to my feelings of inadequacy: I feel like I'm not good enough to do this; who the heck do I think I am to believe I can do such things. Growing up, nobody wanted to hear what I had to say - I was told outright to keep my damn mouth shut because nobody wanted nor needed to hear whatever it is I wanted to say. I was told this both at home - where they just ignored me if I did say anything most of the time - and at school - by my peers. So, I was literally taught that my words had no value - and even though it makes no sense, it stays part of one's psyche and wreaks havoc at some point down the line. Barbara Sher mentions this in her books, too. We are just not nurtured or brought up to be successful. It seems that the few who "make it" do so because their parents fought past this illogical and detrimental programming. Basically, the American dream exists but for some bizarre reason, we do not deserve or have a right to it.
So, what am I doing? I am fighting it - every day and in every way I know how to. I keep going to school - keep learning. One message my mother did throw in that seems to help, albeit with difficulty - stay in school, get that degree. In a way I know she was saying - don't give up like the rest of us did - keep at it - no matter what. So I do this, I keep at it, I keep fighting and pushing past the problematical programming. And so far so good, except when those damn problems I mentioned in another post tend to throw me off track. Fortunately, one minor one is officially dealt with. Which will help with several other problems at present. Hopefully, I can get my research moving along soon.
I will post when I have more to say. CIAO!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Lichen As Dating Indicator of Post Glacial Sediments
Why is lichen a good determinant of deglaciation? Becasue it is the first organism to inhabit organically barren sediments and rock outcrops. So, by measuring the size of a lichen patch - scientists can determine the timing of glacial retreat, temperature increase, moisture content, and the amount of time it takes for organisms to reinhabit the opening niches. Lichen draws other organisms that eat it. They leave droppings, fertilizing the organically poor soils and making it possible to grow other vegetation - drawing more and a greater variety of animals - etc., etc., etc... I believe, if I recall my biology correctly, that lichens are deposited as spores that are easily carried by the air and wind currents over very long distances.
Just thought I'd put a posting up explaining something that came up in today's class.
Just thought I'd put a posting up explaining something that came up in today's class.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Musings About Stuff
I am currently backlogged with class work among other things due to family issues. However, I have not been idle. I've been reading up on some of the latest scientific discoveries and ideas, and have come to a conclusion a few days ago as to the reason why I keep putting my research projects on the back burner, so to speak. It's because I don't feel ready to actually tackle them as of yet. I could not reason out why this is the case - until very recently. I was waiting to get these last couple classes done, completed, and out of the way - because in my mind, I wouldn't do my research projects any justice unless I could apply all that I am learning.
While taking these classes, most of my time is devoted to the class work and home issues. So, any past attempts by me to get one or another of my research projects off the ground was always met with class deadlines, or day-to-day necesssity issues - which would force me to put the research on hold. Granted, these research projects are extremely important to me - moreso than some of the more minor issues that might need dealt with. But, in the past when I ignored those minor issues in favor of my class work - I would later get blindsided by a much bigger and more extreme problem down the line because that minor issue snowballed into a catastrophe. Sometimes these later problems would be so bad they'd wreak havoc on my classes and grades. This is not a good thing. These minor annoyances can be quite inconvenient and time consuming.
As I said, I have not been idle. I am taking the paleoclimatology class here at Pitt. And something very interesting came up in today's lecture: the series of basic general steps any scientist needs to go through to conduct and complete their research projects. Boy, do I have a lot of work ahead of me - just from the nice list of projects I already have awaiting my attention. That list I made awhile back on this blog was only a partial listing. And new things come up every once in awhile - like the Deccans. Fortunately, that topic can be rolled into the bigger project of the KT Extinction, since it is a viable part of that event. It also looks like I will be taking our Volcanology class at some point in the future. I still also need to work on my GIS and Remote Sensing. I'm still waiting patiently for the Plate Tectonics class to be offered again.
In essence, I have determined that Research Design is my first major step for all of my projects. I will have to break that down into smaller sub-tasks and tackle them as soon as the opportunity arises - which I am hoping will happen very soon - all things considered and accounted for. I am antsy to get on with my work.
Also, something I learned last semester at a technical writing mini-conference: if a scientist does their own research project - even so far as footing the bill themselves, they are highly respected by the rest of the scientific community. It sounds odd, and kind of freaky, but the guy who said it knew what he was talking about. It makes sense, though - in an odd sort of way. Some of the best scientists of the past have done it exactly that way - usuallly because they had no other choice. I have no other choice but to do this research this way. And I do not have enormous sums of money to do it, neither. But it is what I must do.
I guess it also gives the scientist more maneuverability than those given big grant money by big corporations or big governments. In a way, those scientists are owned by those who are paying them their salary. And I wholeheartedly believe that some of them are forced to compromise their professional ethics as scientists to appease their "bosses". Yeah, I just saw I Am Legend a couple of weeks ago - it really makes you think. Some folks want to blame God for bad things like Hurricane Katrina and Global Warming. But, as Will Smith said so very aptly, "God did not do this to us, we did it to ourselves." Sad but all too true!
Until next time... Adios!
While taking these classes, most of my time is devoted to the class work and home issues. So, any past attempts by me to get one or another of my research projects off the ground was always met with class deadlines, or day-to-day necesssity issues - which would force me to put the research on hold. Granted, these research projects are extremely important to me - moreso than some of the more minor issues that might need dealt with. But, in the past when I ignored those minor issues in favor of my class work - I would later get blindsided by a much bigger and more extreme problem down the line because that minor issue snowballed into a catastrophe. Sometimes these later problems would be so bad they'd wreak havoc on my classes and grades. This is not a good thing. These minor annoyances can be quite inconvenient and time consuming.
As I said, I have not been idle. I am taking the paleoclimatology class here at Pitt. And something very interesting came up in today's lecture: the series of basic general steps any scientist needs to go through to conduct and complete their research projects. Boy, do I have a lot of work ahead of me - just from the nice list of projects I already have awaiting my attention. That list I made awhile back on this blog was only a partial listing. And new things come up every once in awhile - like the Deccans. Fortunately, that topic can be rolled into the bigger project of the KT Extinction, since it is a viable part of that event. It also looks like I will be taking our Volcanology class at some point in the future. I still also need to work on my GIS and Remote Sensing. I'm still waiting patiently for the Plate Tectonics class to be offered again.
In essence, I have determined that Research Design is my first major step for all of my projects. I will have to break that down into smaller sub-tasks and tackle them as soon as the opportunity arises - which I am hoping will happen very soon - all things considered and accounted for. I am antsy to get on with my work.
Also, something I learned last semester at a technical writing mini-conference: if a scientist does their own research project - even so far as footing the bill themselves, they are highly respected by the rest of the scientific community. It sounds odd, and kind of freaky, but the guy who said it knew what he was talking about. It makes sense, though - in an odd sort of way. Some of the best scientists of the past have done it exactly that way - usuallly because they had no other choice. I have no other choice but to do this research this way. And I do not have enormous sums of money to do it, neither. But it is what I must do.
I guess it also gives the scientist more maneuverability than those given big grant money by big corporations or big governments. In a way, those scientists are owned by those who are paying them their salary. And I wholeheartedly believe that some of them are forced to compromise their professional ethics as scientists to appease their "bosses". Yeah, I just saw I Am Legend a couple of weeks ago - it really makes you think. Some folks want to blame God for bad things like Hurricane Katrina and Global Warming. But, as Will Smith said so very aptly, "God did not do this to us, we did it to ourselves." Sad but all too true!
Until next time... Adios!
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