Sense #1
Here
I have lots of new stuff to report, but for the moment, I will leave you with the isolation of a sense.
I am making up two-and-a-half weeks' worth of computer science readings in a small room with a range of indistinguishable electrical noise. My laptop is quietly playing music, and the occasional car and plane add a brief bass note to this witching hour orchestra. Birds chirp outside, pianissimo, and distant footsteps and ambulance sirens provide recurring themes. Yet, none of these harmonic lines would be noticed if not for a mysterious and captivating melody. Its accompaniment fades into the background of my mind and is only brought to attention when the stark contrast of the melody creeps into consciousness from somewhere nearby. They take the form of strange, human-made noises, though their exact instrument is unrecognizable.
Still, my musical background encourages me to take a guess. Is sex? Or a wretched soul crying over weeks of stress? Perhaps it is uncomfortable laugher or the cause of some other mental instability. Hell, it might even be someone dying after tripping and fracturing their skull. Whatever it is, I am too afraid to check, and so I leave you only with my conjectures*.
*In order of decreasing probability
Monday, May 23, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
List #11
List #11
The Wonderful Things I Thought
1. Genetic algorithms -> These actually are real things, but I expanded the idea in my head. Basically, it's a way of optimizing functions by ranking the fitness of the components of several functions and combining the best parts of these different algorithms to create a super algorithm. It mimics natural selection. Anyway, I thought about the point when programs can write and modify other programs, and how evolution could allow technology to improve itself (and eventually destroy the human race, if we're still around).
2. Perfect echo chambers -> An idea for a story or game. There are pockets tucked away in the world whose structures are perfectly formed such that sound that enters them will echo forever if undisturbed. Thus, they have the ability to hold ancient words, songs, and secrets. People spend their lives searching for them, as the knowledge they hold is extremely powerful. Of those that remain, most natural chambers reside deep within caves; however, some civilizations were able to create artifacts and structures that have the same property.
3. "What do eternal life and chlamydia have in common?" -> "They are both free gifts!"
4. In response to Fanon and de Beauvoir's commentary on the desire to have our existence proven, i.e. Existential bullshit -> Not existing would be kind of nice. Why do we try so hard to have people acknowledge our existence?
5. This was actually two days ago after the Full Moon Jam ->
5a. "Where'd you get that designer hulla hoop?" Oh, it's Gucci.
5b. I was standing in line getting Buffalo Wild Wings (they were actually just chicken strips with Buffalo sauce (I was actually in line for a strawberry smoothie)) and I explained to a stranger next to me that after meeting a bunch of friendly fire spinners up north, I wanted to say hello and introduce myself to everyone around me. However, because I was back at UChicago where we don't make eye contact or acknowledge one another, I can't. I did not introduce myself to her.
The Wonderful Things I Thought
1. Genetic algorithms -> These actually are real things, but I expanded the idea in my head. Basically, it's a way of optimizing functions by ranking the fitness of the components of several functions and combining the best parts of these different algorithms to create a super algorithm. It mimics natural selection. Anyway, I thought about the point when programs can write and modify other programs, and how evolution could allow technology to improve itself (and eventually destroy the human race, if we're still around).
2. Perfect echo chambers -> An idea for a story or game. There are pockets tucked away in the world whose structures are perfectly formed such that sound that enters them will echo forever if undisturbed. Thus, they have the ability to hold ancient words, songs, and secrets. People spend their lives searching for them, as the knowledge they hold is extremely powerful. Of those that remain, most natural chambers reside deep within caves; however, some civilizations were able to create artifacts and structures that have the same property.
3. "What do eternal life and chlamydia have in common?" -> "They are both free gifts!"
4. In response to Fanon and de Beauvoir's commentary on the desire to have our existence proven, i.e. Existential bullshit -> Not existing would be kind of nice. Why do we try so hard to have people acknowledge our existence?
5. This was actually two days ago after the Full Moon Jam ->
5a. "Where'd you get that designer hulla hoop?" Oh, it's Gucci.
5b. I was standing in line getting Buffalo Wild Wings (they were actually just chicken strips with Buffalo sauce (I was actually in line for a strawberry smoothie)) and I explained to a stranger next to me that after meeting a bunch of friendly fire spinners up north, I wanted to say hello and introduce myself to everyone around me. However, because I was back at UChicago where we don't make eye contact or acknowledge one another, I can't. I did not introduce myself to her.
Today #26
Today #26
Fire into Smoke
Today, being Thursday, as it is after midnight, I will watch a sand mandala scattered into the wind and waves and I will perform in the circus.
I am lulled to sleep with a brew of wonderful odors. A fragrant wood incense, burnt hair, white gas, and the remnants of my perfume: a mixture of teak, tobacco, and vanilla.
Yesterday/today, I also watched monks carefully create a beautiful mandala out of colored sand. I mediated. I had three chocolate mini milkshakes filled with Oreo bits and marshmallows. I span fire.
Also, my imagination has been a little barren recently, but I thought up several wonderful things.
Fire into Smoke
Today, being Thursday, as it is after midnight, I will watch a sand mandala scattered into the wind and waves and I will perform in the circus.
I am lulled to sleep with a brew of wonderful odors. A fragrant wood incense, burnt hair, white gas, and the remnants of my perfume: a mixture of teak, tobacco, and vanilla.
Yesterday/today, I also watched monks carefully create a beautiful mandala out of colored sand. I mediated. I had three chocolate mini milkshakes filled with Oreo bits and marshmallows. I span fire.
Also, my imagination has been a little barren recently, but I thought up several wonderful things.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Miscellaneous #6
Miscellaneous #6
Like a Goblin
Stealing feels justified when you're a goblin.
Also, I'M ON LIKE A LITTLE!!!
I was fire spinning without a shirt yesterday and hit myself in the chest. My hair is now all singed.
I had more things to say, but I've forgotten them, as I forget most things.
Like a Goblin
Stealing feels justified when you're a goblin.
Also, I'M ON LIKE A LITTLE!!!
I had more things to say, but I've forgotten them, as I forget most things.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Today #25
Today #25
Scab Hunt
So today, being the first day of Scav Hunt, we began working on items at around 12:30am. Well, really, it was last night at about 11:30pm. Or maybe 11:00pm? Whatever, time is an illusion, and so is death (name that TV show!).
In the last 24 hours, I've eaten one meal, and in the last 37 hours, I've slept for four. Ah, Scav.
Anyway, has anyone been able to get a hold of Mama Shaq? She isn't returning any of my calls, and I really need her for an item. Let me know?
Scab Hunt
So today, being the first day of Scav Hunt, we began working on items at around 12:30am. Well, really, it was last night at about 11:30pm. Or maybe 11:00pm? Whatever, time is an illusion, and so is death (name that TV show!).
In the last 24 hours, I've eaten one meal, and in the last 37 hours, I've slept for four. Ah, Scav.
Anyway, has anyone been able to get a hold of Mama Shaq? She isn't returning any of my calls, and I really need her for an item. Let me know?
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