I am not a big fan of mass audience television, at least in the US. But the broadcasts by Peter Jennings on ABC have always perked my interest. Fair, honest journalism, and well appreciated by myself and many other cerebral minds in this land of severe apathy. His unique insight and great perspective will be sorely missed, but I thank him for his contributions to the best of news casting.
11 August 2005
RIP Peter Jennings
I am not a big fan of mass audience television, at least in the US. But the broadcasts by Peter Jennings on ABC have always perked my interest. Fair, honest journalism, and well appreciated by myself and many other cerebral minds in this land of severe apathy. His unique insight and great perspective will be sorely missed, but I thank him for his contributions to the best of news casting.
06 August 2005
And yet another ageist measure erupts
Colorado recently passed a law that prohibits underage drivers from talking on mobile phones while driving. Though I absolutely despise bad drivers, who are waaaaay to prevalent in the world, and further harbor a bitter distaste for drivers on mobile phones, this measure is yet one more way that the cracks in our democracy appear.
Laws should be uniform and balanced, guaranteeing respective fair punishment for all offenders, no matter age, sex, race, creed, prior violations, or wealth.
The young have always been a target, where be it in laws, enforcement, or through societal discrimination. This is yet one more example of how the young are taking it in the ass at the expense of those with power. If the mobile phone ban is passed, lets be fair and enforce it for people of all ages. Discrimination on any regard is blatantly wrong. Or are we to live by the addige (quoted from Benjamin Franklin) "Force shits on reasons back"?
Story by Yahoo!
Laws should be uniform and balanced, guaranteeing respective fair punishment for all offenders, no matter age, sex, race, creed, prior violations, or wealth.
The young have always been a target, where be it in laws, enforcement, or through societal discrimination. This is yet one more example of how the young are taking it in the ass at the expense of those with power. If the mobile phone ban is passed, lets be fair and enforce it for people of all ages. Discrimination on any regard is blatantly wrong. Or are we to live by the addige (quoted from Benjamin Franklin) "Force shits on reasons back"?
Story by Yahoo!
03 August 2005
The Bush Youth
What does this remind you of?
Its not too difficult to see the parallels between what conservative, right wing groups have done in societies around the globe, with the vicious repression of expression, thought, and most importantly action. But this is probably the best photographic evidence yet that *should* reach even the densest students who ever took a history class.
Place: Germany
Date: 1938
Event: Hitler Youth Rally
Bush Calls up the Boy Scouts to Serve in Iraq
30 July 2005
10th Planet in the Sol System
Astronomers in the US announced the discovery (or rather confirmation of) a 10th planet in our solar system. Its current (and uninspired) name is 2003 UB313, though this will likely change. It is no wonder it took so long to find a planetoid this size, it is 3x the distance of Pluto.
For any of my readers, you might remember my post in Febuary about what exactly would constitute an actual 'planet' vs a planetoid or 'object'.
It seems by todays announcement that the bar has been set on something Pluto sized or larger, as Sedna, Quaoar, and others half Plutos size are not recognized as actual 'planets'.
Theres a good articles on this at theBBC, Yahoo!, and you can see an image of it (and an artists depiction) here .
Lets see if the classification of what exactly makes a planet can now finally be reviewed in light of this discovery. And keep your eyes peeled, there are bound to be more discoveries like this one that will crop up in the next 15 years.
For any of my readers, you might remember my post in Febuary about what exactly would constitute an actual 'planet' vs a planetoid or 'object'.
It seems by todays announcement that the bar has been set on something Pluto sized or larger, as Sedna, Quaoar, and others half Plutos size are not recognized as actual 'planets'.
Theres a good articles on this at theBBC, Yahoo!, and you can see an image of it (and an artists depiction) here .
Lets see if the classification of what exactly makes a planet can now finally be reviewed in light of this discovery. And keep your eyes peeled, there are bound to be more discoveries like this one that will crop up in the next 15 years.
11 July 2005
Internationalization of Standards
Though I've been doing this for years due to the simplicity in writing and visualizing, the US seems to finally be slowly using periods (.) instead of dashes (-) in phone numbers. 1-800-666-6666 will soon be seen by the superior 1.800.666.6666
Its about fucking time. I probably adopted the habit of doing it while in Europe my first time, and it just makes more sense.
Hey, heres an idea...why doesn't the US adopt the International system for dates as well. In most of the world, dates are represented by the day, then month, then year: 10.28.2005. The US is still stuck in this archaic system where we (for some unknown and idiotic reason) put the month first, then day, then year (28/10/2005). And toss the slashes too, use periods for this too.
And while we're at it, maybe it's about time that we in the USA adopt the freakin metric system! who the fuck can calculate how many inches are in 5.64 miles? its easy to figure out how many centimeters are in 5.64 kilometers, its 564,000 (just move the damn decimal place).
In any case, Yahoo! covered this ere.
Its about fucking time. I probably adopted the habit of doing it while in Europe my first time, and it just makes more sense.
Hey, heres an idea...why doesn't the US adopt the International system for dates as well. In most of the world, dates are represented by the day, then month, then year: 10.28.2005. The US is still stuck in this archaic system where we (for some unknown and idiotic reason) put the month first, then day, then year (28/10/2005). And toss the slashes too, use periods for this too.
And while we're at it, maybe it's about time that we in the USA adopt the freakin metric system! who the fuck can calculate how many inches are in 5.64 miles? its easy to figure out how many centimeters are in 5.64 kilometers, its 564,000 (just move the damn decimal place).
In any case, Yahoo! covered this ere.
03 July 2005
Kaliningrad?
A bit of sadistic humor in politics today, as the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea (by Poland) celebrated its 750 year anniversary. Why is this odd you ask? Well, it was founded by Germanic Tuetonic knights, and had a German polulation for 700 years. That is, until the end of WWII, when the Soviet Red army ethnically cleansed 3 million Germans out of the area (then, and always known as Koenigsberg, part of East Prussia).
To the victor go the spoils? Perhaps, but its a bit ironic that the anniversary is being celebrated by those ultra nationals who moved into the area once the Germans were forced to leave. Again, after a 700 year history. Funny how some people can be driven from their ancestral homeland without anyone raising objections, while other peoples which much smaller populations set off a firestorm of world disapproval when they are put thru the same gauntlet.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4645447.stm
20 June 2005
America: the Land of the Free or the Censored?
It has been a tradition since our the founding of our nation to be the bastion of freedom in the world. Yet time and time again, it seems that those who drape themselves in the American flag, scream their devotion to our great country, and terrorize anyone who stands in their way seem to bury the real truth.
Case in point, after 60 years, a story from the good ole days of WWII is finally surfacing. About the after effects of the atomic strike on Nagasaki, Japan, our "glorious" general MacArthur and the always trustworthy US government carefully censored, or more accurately buried the articles. Even with the Freedom of Information Act (passed way back in the 1970's!), it has taken this long for the story to come to light.
Sort of makes one wonder, what other stories are still buried in the past, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq...hell, even major domestic news that the government censors in this country absolutely refuse to release. It took Sen. Paul Wellstone months of work to finally get our own government to admit to the chemical weapons spraying of a major part of Minneapolis in WWII to test its effectiveness.
What it all boils down to, is if we simply accept the government propoganda, lies, distortions, and censorship, or stand up and refuse to accept this behavior. Our greatest cultural legacy is in fact, freedom, so why voluntarily turn a blind eye to the freedom of being told the truth by our own government?
14 June 2005
Chinese Book of Changes: the I Ching
This was a paper I wrote to a professor at the university instructing him on what he was teaching. Though I think this is just as religious phooey as killing chickens, take a read if you're interested.
The I Ching (also known as the Chinese Book of Changes) is a daoist guide to divination and magic. Rising from a mysterious past, it is rumored that the system described in the I Ching predates writing, and was recorded later in it's history. Although there have been numerous translations and interpretations of this ancient text, the truth is that the I Ching is merely a guide to the metaphysical, not a rule book dictating exactly how "supernatural" powers can be harvested.
To understand how the Book of Changes works, one must first understand the balanced relationship between Yin and Yang. Yin embodies the smooth, quiet, and gentle aspects of life, which although on the surface seem to be weaker than the Yang, are persevering through time. Yin is often symbolized by the pervasive power of water. Although the rock (symbolizing the bold strength of Yang) may stand in it's path, it evades the confrontation by simply flowing around the obstacle. Furthermore, in time, the water weathers the stone, thereby overcoming it's strength.
The polar opposite to Yin is the Yang, an energy which is strong, fierce, and bold. Yang is the beacon of light that pierces the sea of darkness in Yin, guiding the path of the ocean vessel through the night. Yang is often symbolized by stone, that which casts off the chaotic elements in the universe, choosing to stand firm in it's organized form.
Together, the Yin and the Yang are the fundamental energies that bring existence and being to the universe from the void. Although forever in opposition, their powers are equal and balanced. The flowing of their energies through the universe creates harmony and peace; where one is more abundant, there lies disruption and discord. The Yin and the Yang are the most basic element of the I Ching, with Yin represented by a broken or dashed line, and Yang shown by a straight line.
However, it is a bit more complex than that. For as with everything in life and the cosmos, the only constant is that things perpetually change. The time frame in which things change are of concern here, for what may take millions of years to transmute will not be of any consequence during a single human lifetime; it will appear to be a constant. In the Book of Changes, these are the normal Yin and Yang lines. However, for those few instances in which something in question changes more rapidly, say in the span of a few days or years, the contrast between forms is more apparent. In this scenario, the Yin and Yang are represented by lines that are changing (as shown by a squiggle at the end of the line). In essence, what is being witnessed here is the Yin changing into the Yang, or vice versa. Exactly how to incorporate this will be discussed later. So there are normal Yin and Yang lines, and changing Yin and Yang lines.
The next step in the I Ching method of divination comes when 3 Yin or Yang lines are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Trigram. With each line having the binary possibility of either Yin or Yang, the 3 stacked lines in a Trigram give us 8 possible results. These are meant to represent the elemental forces of nature (Heaven, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Water, Fire, Mountain, and Mist). Although each of these elemental forces conjure up definitive thoughts and emotions ( Earth=stone, Water=H2O, etc.), they are actually abstract, relying more on the interpretation of the mystic than on solid, scientifically testable materials. This is where the true magic of the human mind manifests itself, in the images and patterns that arise from the depths of human intuition. This and only this can account for the perpetually unique situations and new scenarios that are created in the timestream. Thus the saying, "No matter where you go, there you are!"
The true key to the magic unleashed in the Book of Changes comes at the third step though. Here 2 trigrams are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Hexagram. Consisting of 2 trigrams (6 total lines of either Yin or Yang), the hexagram is a symbol which is meant to represent the true nature of the dilemma or object in question. Each hexagram can be understood as a combination of its 2 trigrams. Thus, the I Ching hexagram known as The Ancient River is simply the Water trigram over the Earth trigram (Water/Earth). This imagery instills thoughts in the mystic, which can then be applied to the question at hand. Again, using exponential mathematics, the 8 different trigrams which are possible on top and 8 on bottom give us 64 possible combinations, each one with it's individual abstract meaning and associated images.
The final step in this art is to determine which lines are normal and which are changing. Again, a changing line is in the immediate process of becoming it's opposite (Yin into Yang or vice versa). Although changing lines have no immediate impact on the initial reading in the consultation, changing lines do indicate that the situation is in a state of flux, and will soon take a new form. An example of this would be The Ancient River, previously mentioned. From top to bottom, this hexagram consists of a straight line, broken line, straight line (making the Water trigram), and 3 successive straight lines (forming the Earth trigram). Now, imagine the 2nd line from the top is changing (from a broken or Yin line into a straight or Yang line). This would change the top trigram from Water to Earth (now being 3 straight lines), leaving us with the hexagram for Earth/Earth (known as The Great Wide Open). This indicates that the immediate situation is symbolized by The Ancient River, but it will soon be symbolized by The Great Wide Open.
Furthermore, more than one line in the hexagram can be changing. In the same example given above, let us imagine the 2nd, 4th, and 5th lines (again, from the top) are changing. The new situation evolving in this case would be symbolized by Earth/Thunder (Repeating Thunder) and the associated images and ideas that are evoked. The extreme example here would be the case in which all of the lines are changing, resulting in the polar opposite hexagram taking place of the old (The Ancient River becomes Fire/Heaven or Shooting Stars). This is why the I Ching is known as the Book of Changes.
The methods used to arrive at the final hexagram vary considerably. Traditionally, Chinese mystics would use yarrow sticks, but toothpicks can be substituted. The method employed is to pile up the sticks, and repeatedly divide them into piles. Then, the sticks in one of the piles are counted, with the number thereof determining whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is a changing line. A fashionable method employed in the West (Europe and America) is to flip 3 coins for each line. The results dictate whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is changing.
A much easier and less time consuming method requires the use of an octagonal (8-sided) dice available in many novelty or hobby shops. Each number is assigned to one of the 8 elemental forces or trigrams (for example: 1=Heaven, 2=Earth, 3=Wind, 4=Thunder, 5=Water, 6=Fire, 7=Mountain, and 8=Mist). Then, the 8 sided die is rolled twice (once for the top trigram, once for the bottom). To determine which of the lines are changing, simply roll the die once for each line, with odd numbers indicating changing and even numbers being normal. Or else, numbers 1-4 could indicate normal, while 5-8 imply changing (either way, it is a 50/50 chance). This quickly gives the resulting hexagram, and its interpretation can go from there.
The rest is up to you and the dao. Never fall prey to the con that the I Ching is an ancient mystical system which has been altered so much that it can never be used appropriately in the modern day. After all, it is the Book of Changes! Although it can never truly be understood by any mortal (and thus limited) mind, it does awaken the intuitive potential from it's long slumber, and thus may seem strange or difficult at first. But with time and practice, anyone can come to use the Book of Changes in their daily lives to solve everyday problems. Let the dao be with you!
anized form.
Together, the Yin and the Yang are the fundamental energies that bring existence and being to the universe from the void. Although forever in opposition, their powers are equal and balanced. The flowing of their energies through the universe creates harmony and peace; where one is more abundant, there lies disruption and discord. The Yin and the Yang are the most basic element of the I Ching, with Yin represented by a broken or dashed line, and Yang shown by a straight line.
However, it is a bit more complex than that. For as with everything in life and the cosmos, the only constant is that things perpetually change. The time frame in which things change are of concern here, for what may take millions of years to transmute will not be of any consequence during a single human lifetime; it will appear to be a constant. In the Book of Changes, these are the normal Yin and Yang lines. However, for those few instances in which something in question changes more rapidly, say in the span of a few days or years, the contrast between forms is more apparent. In this scenario, the Yin and Yang are represented by lines that are changing (as shown by a squiggle at the end of the line). In essence, what is being witnessed here is the Yin changing into the Yang, or vice versa. Exactly how to incorporate this will be discussed later. So there are normal Yin and Yang lines, and changing Yin and Yang lines.
The next step in the I Ching method of divination comes when 3 Yin or Yang lines are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Trigram. With each line having the binary possibility of either Yin or Yang, the 3 stacked lines in a Trigram give us 8 possible results. These are meant to represent the elemental forces of nature (Heaven, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Water, Fire, Mountain, and Mist). Although each of these elemental forces conjure up definitive thoughts and emotions (Earth=stone, Water=H2O, etc.), they are actually abstract, relying more on the interpretation of the mystic than on solid, scientifically testable materials. This is where the true magic of the human mind manifests itself, in the images and patterns that arise from the depths of human intuition. This and only this can account for the perpetually unique situations and new scenarios that are created in the timestream. Thus the saying, "No matter where you go, there you are!"
The true key to the magic unleashed in the Book of Changes comes at the third step though. Here 2 trigrams are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Hexagram. Consisting of 2 trigrams (6 total lines of either Yin or Yang), the hexagram is a symbol which is meant to represent the true nature of the dilemma or object in question. Each hexagram can be understood as a combination of its 2 trigrams. Thus, the I Ching hexagram known as The Ancient River is simply the Water trigram over the Earth trigram (Water/Earth). This imagery instills thoughts in the mystic, which can then be applied to the question at hand. Again, using exponential mathematics, the 8 different trigrams which are possible on top and 8 on bottom give us 64 possible combinations, each one with it's individual abstract meaning and associated images.
The final step in this art is to determine which lines are normal and which are changing. Again, a changing line is in the immediate process of becoming it's opposite (Yin into Yang or vice versa). Although changing lines have no immediate impact on the initial reading in the consultation, changing lines do indicate that the situation is in a state of flux, and will soon take a new form. An example of this would be The Ancient River, previously mentioned. From top to bottom, this hexagram consists of a straight line, broken line, straight line (making the Water trigram), and 3 successive straight lines (forming the Earth trigram). Now, imagine the 2nd line from the top is changing (from a broken or Yin line into a straight or Yang line). This would change the top trigram from Water to Earth (now being 3 straight lines), leaving us with the hexagram for Earth/Earth (known as The Great Wide Open). This indicates that the immediate situation is symbolized by The Ancient River, but it will soon be symbolized by The Great Wide Open.
Furthermore, more than one line in the hexagram can be changing. In the same example given above, let us imagine the 2nd, 4th, and 5th lines (again, from the top) are changing. The new situation evolving in this case would be symbolized by Earth/Thunder (Repeating Thunder) and the associated images and ideas that are evoked. The extreme example here would be the case in which all of the lines are changing, resulting in the polar opposite hexagram taking place of the old (The Ancient River becomes Fire/Heaven or Shooting Stars). This is why the I Ching is known as the Book of Changes.
The methods used to arrive at the final hexagram vary considerably. Traditionally, Chinese mystics would use yarrow sticks, but toothpicks can be substituted. The method employed is to pile up the sticks, and repeatedly divide them into piles. Then, the sticks in one of the piles are counted, with the number thereof determining whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is a changing line. A fashionable method employed in the West (Europe and America) is to flip 3 coins for each line. The results dictate whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is changing.
A much easier and less time consuming method requires the use of an octagonal (8-sided) dice available in many novelty or hobby shops. Each number is assigned to one of the 8 elemental forces or trigrams (for example: 1=Heaven, 2=Earth, 3=Wind, 4=Thunder, 5=Water, 6=Fire, 7=Mountain, and 8=Mist). Then, the 8 sided die is rolled twice (once for the top trigram, once for the bottom). To determine which of the lines are changing, simply roll the die once for each line, with odd numbers indicating changing and even numbers being normal. Or else, numbers 1-4 could indicate normal, while 5-8 imply changing (either way, it is a 50/50 chance). This quickly gives the resulting hexagram, and its interpretation can go from there.
The rest is up to you and the dao. Never fall prey to the con that the I Ching is an ancient mystical system which has been altered so much that it can never be used appropriately in the modern day. After all, it is the Book of Changes! Although it can never truly be understood by any mortal (and thus limited) mind, it does awaken the intuitive potential from it's long slumber, and thus may seem strange or difficult at first. But with time and practice, anyone can come to use the Book of Changes in their daily lives to solve everyday problems. Let the dao be with you!
The I Ching (also known as the Chinese Book of Changes) is a daoist guide to divination and magic. Rising from a mysterious past, it is rumored that the system described in the I Ching predates writing, and was recorded later in it's history. Although there have been numerous translations and interpretations of this ancient text, the truth is that the I Ching is merely a guide to the metaphysical, not a rule book dictating exactly how "supernatural" powers can be harvested.
To understand how the Book of Changes works, one must first understand the balanced relationship between Yin and Yang. Yin embodies the smooth, quiet, and gentle aspects of life, which although on the surface seem to be weaker than the Yang, are persevering through time. Yin is often symbolized by the pervasive power of water. Although the rock (symbolizing the bold strength of Yang) may stand in it's path, it evades the confrontation by simply flowing around the obstacle. Furthermore, in time, the water weathers the stone, thereby overcoming it's strength.
The polar opposite to Yin is the Yang, an energy which is strong, fierce, and bold. Yang is the beacon of light that pierces the sea of darkness in Yin, guiding the path of the ocean vessel through the night. Yang is often symbolized by stone, that which casts off the chaotic elements in the universe, choosing to stand firm in it's organized form.
Together, the Yin and the Yang are the fundamental energies that bring existence and being to the universe from the void. Although forever in opposition, their powers are equal and balanced. The flowing of their energies through the universe creates harmony and peace; where one is more abundant, there lies disruption and discord. The Yin and the Yang are the most basic element of the I Ching, with Yin represented by a broken or dashed line, and Yang shown by a straight line.
However, it is a bit more complex than that. For as with everything in life and the cosmos, the only constant is that things perpetually change. The time frame in which things change are of concern here, for what may take millions of years to transmute will not be of any consequence during a single human lifetime; it will appear to be a constant. In the Book of Changes, these are the normal Yin and Yang lines. However, for those few instances in which something in question changes more rapidly, say in the span of a few days or years, the contrast between forms is more apparent. In this scenario, the Yin and Yang are represented by lines that are changing (as shown by a squiggle at the end of the line). In essence, what is being witnessed here is the Yin changing into the Yang, or vice versa. Exactly how to incorporate this will be discussed later. So there are normal Yin and Yang lines, and changing Yin and Yang lines.
The next step in the I Ching method of divination comes when 3 Yin or Yang lines are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Trigram. With each line having the binary possibility of either Yin or Yang, the 3 stacked lines in a Trigram give us 8 possible results. These are meant to represent the elemental forces of nature (Heaven, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Water, Fire, Mountain, and Mist). Although each of these elemental forces conjure up definitive thoughts and emotions ( Earth=stone, Water=H2O, etc.), they are actually abstract, relying more on the interpretation of the mystic than on solid, scientifically testable materials. This is where the true magic of the human mind manifests itself, in the images and patterns that arise from the depths of human intuition. This and only this can account for the perpetually unique situations and new scenarios that are created in the timestream. Thus the saying, "No matter where you go, there you are!"
The true key to the magic unleashed in the Book of Changes comes at the third step though. Here 2 trigrams are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Hexagram. Consisting of 2 trigrams (6 total lines of either Yin or Yang), the hexagram is a symbol which is meant to represent the true nature of the dilemma or object in question. Each hexagram can be understood as a combination of its 2 trigrams. Thus, the I Ching hexagram known as The Ancient River is simply the Water trigram over the Earth trigram (Water/Earth). This imagery instills thoughts in the mystic, which can then be applied to the question at hand. Again, using exponential mathematics, the 8 different trigrams which are possible on top and 8 on bottom give us 64 possible combinations, each one with it's individual abstract meaning and associated images.
The final step in this art is to determine which lines are normal and which are changing. Again, a changing line is in the immediate process of becoming it's opposite (Yin into Yang or vice versa). Although changing lines have no immediate impact on the initial reading in the consultation, changing lines do indicate that the situation is in a state of flux, and will soon take a new form. An example of this would be The Ancient River, previously mentioned. From top to bottom, this hexagram consists of a straight line, broken line, straight line (making the Water trigram), and 3 successive straight lines (forming the Earth trigram). Now, imagine the 2nd line from the top is changing (from a broken or Yin line into a straight or Yang line). This would change the top trigram from Water to Earth (now being 3 straight lines), leaving us with the hexagram for Earth/Earth (known as The Great Wide Open). This indicates that the immediate situation is symbolized by The Ancient River, but it will soon be symbolized by The Great Wide Open.
Furthermore, more than one line in the hexagram can be changing. In the same example given above, let us imagine the 2nd, 4th, and 5th lines (again, from the top) are changing. The new situation evolving in this case would be symbolized by Earth/Thunder (Repeating Thunder) and the associated images and ideas that are evoked. The extreme example here would be the case in which all of the lines are changing, resulting in the polar opposite hexagram taking place of the old (The Ancient River becomes Fire/Heaven or Shooting Stars). This is why the I Ching is known as the Book of Changes.
The methods used to arrive at the final hexagram vary considerably. Traditionally, Chinese mystics would use yarrow sticks, but toothpicks can be substituted. The method employed is to pile up the sticks, and repeatedly divide them into piles. Then, the sticks in one of the piles are counted, with the number thereof determining whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is a changing line. A fashionable method employed in the West (Europe and America) is to flip 3 coins for each line. The results dictate whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is changing.
A much easier and less time consuming method requires the use of an octagonal (8-sided) dice available in many novelty or hobby shops. Each number is assigned to one of the 8 elemental forces or trigrams (for example: 1=Heaven, 2=Earth, 3=Wind, 4=Thunder, 5=Water, 6=Fire, 7=Mountain, and 8=Mist). Then, the 8 sided die is rolled twice (once for the top trigram, once for the bottom). To determine which of the lines are changing, simply roll the die once for each line, with odd numbers indicating changing and even numbers being normal. Or else, numbers 1-4 could indicate normal, while 5-8 imply changing (either way, it is a 50/50 chance). This quickly gives the resulting hexagram, and its interpretation can go from there.
The rest is up to you and the dao. Never fall prey to the con that the I Ching is an ancient mystical system which has been altered so much that it can never be used appropriately in the modern day. After all, it is the Book of Changes! Although it can never truly be understood by any mortal (and thus limited) mind, it does awaken the intuitive potential from it's long slumber, and thus may seem strange or difficult at first. But with time and practice, anyone can come to use the Book of Changes in their daily lives to solve everyday problems. Let the dao be with you!
anized form.
Together, the Yin and the Yang are the fundamental energies that bring existence and being to the universe from the void. Although forever in opposition, their powers are equal and balanced. The flowing of their energies through the universe creates harmony and peace; where one is more abundant, there lies disruption and discord. The Yin and the Yang are the most basic element of the I Ching, with Yin represented by a broken or dashed line, and Yang shown by a straight line.
However, it is a bit more complex than that. For as with everything in life and the cosmos, the only constant is that things perpetually change. The time frame in which things change are of concern here, for what may take millions of years to transmute will not be of any consequence during a single human lifetime; it will appear to be a constant. In the Book of Changes, these are the normal Yin and Yang lines. However, for those few instances in which something in question changes more rapidly, say in the span of a few days or years, the contrast between forms is more apparent. In this scenario, the Yin and Yang are represented by lines that are changing (as shown by a squiggle at the end of the line). In essence, what is being witnessed here is the Yin changing into the Yang, or vice versa. Exactly how to incorporate this will be discussed later. So there are normal Yin and Yang lines, and changing Yin and Yang lines.
The next step in the I Ching method of divination comes when 3 Yin or Yang lines are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Trigram. With each line having the binary possibility of either Yin or Yang, the 3 stacked lines in a Trigram give us 8 possible results. These are meant to represent the elemental forces of nature (Heaven, Earth, Wind, Thunder, Water, Fire, Mountain, and Mist). Although each of these elemental forces conjure up definitive thoughts and emotions (Earth=stone, Water=H2O, etc.), they are actually abstract, relying more on the interpretation of the mystic than on solid, scientifically testable materials. This is where the true magic of the human mind manifests itself, in the images and patterns that arise from the depths of human intuition. This and only this can account for the perpetually unique situations and new scenarios that are created in the timestream. Thus the saying, "No matter where you go, there you are!"
The true key to the magic unleashed in the Book of Changes comes at the third step though. Here 2 trigrams are stacked on top of each other, forming what is known as a Hexagram. Consisting of 2 trigrams (6 total lines of either Yin or Yang), the hexagram is a symbol which is meant to represent the true nature of the dilemma or object in question. Each hexagram can be understood as a combination of its 2 trigrams. Thus, the I Ching hexagram known as The Ancient River is simply the Water trigram over the Earth trigram (Water/Earth). This imagery instills thoughts in the mystic, which can then be applied to the question at hand. Again, using exponential mathematics, the 8 different trigrams which are possible on top and 8 on bottom give us 64 possible combinations, each one with it's individual abstract meaning and associated images.
The final step in this art is to determine which lines are normal and which are changing. Again, a changing line is in the immediate process of becoming it's opposite (Yin into Yang or vice versa). Although changing lines have no immediate impact on the initial reading in the consultation, changing lines do indicate that the situation is in a state of flux, and will soon take a new form. An example of this would be The Ancient River, previously mentioned. From top to bottom, this hexagram consists of a straight line, broken line, straight line (making the Water trigram), and 3 successive straight lines (forming the Earth trigram). Now, imagine the 2nd line from the top is changing (from a broken or Yin line into a straight or Yang line). This would change the top trigram from Water to Earth (now being 3 straight lines), leaving us with the hexagram for Earth/Earth (known as The Great Wide Open). This indicates that the immediate situation is symbolized by The Ancient River, but it will soon be symbolized by The Great Wide Open.
Furthermore, more than one line in the hexagram can be changing. In the same example given above, let us imagine the 2nd, 4th, and 5th lines (again, from the top) are changing. The new situation evolving in this case would be symbolized by Earth/Thunder (Repeating Thunder) and the associated images and ideas that are evoked. The extreme example here would be the case in which all of the lines are changing, resulting in the polar opposite hexagram taking place of the old (The Ancient River becomes Fire/Heaven or Shooting Stars). This is why the I Ching is known as the Book of Changes.
The methods used to arrive at the final hexagram vary considerably. Traditionally, Chinese mystics would use yarrow sticks, but toothpicks can be substituted. The method employed is to pile up the sticks, and repeatedly divide them into piles. Then, the sticks in one of the piles are counted, with the number thereof determining whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is a changing line. A fashionable method employed in the West (Europe and America) is to flip 3 coins for each line. The results dictate whether that line is Yin or Yang, and if it is changing.
A much easier and less time consuming method requires the use of an octagonal (8-sided) dice available in many novelty or hobby shops. Each number is assigned to one of the 8 elemental forces or trigrams (for example: 1=Heaven, 2=Earth, 3=Wind, 4=Thunder, 5=Water, 6=Fire, 7=Mountain, and 8=Mist). Then, the 8 sided die is rolled twice (once for the top trigram, once for the bottom). To determine which of the lines are changing, simply roll the die once for each line, with odd numbers indicating changing and even numbers being normal. Or else, numbers 1-4 could indicate normal, while 5-8 imply changing (either way, it is a 50/50 chance). This quickly gives the resulting hexagram, and its interpretation can go from there.
The rest is up to you and the dao. Never fall prey to the con that the I Ching is an ancient mystical system which has been altered so much that it can never be used appropriately in the modern day. After all, it is the Book of Changes! Although it can never truly be understood by any mortal (and thus limited) mind, it does awaken the intuitive potential from it's long slumber, and thus may seem strange or difficult at first. But with time and practice, anyone can come to use the Book of Changes in their daily lives to solve everyday problems. Let the dao be with you!
10 June 2005
Metric Time
METRIC TIME
Currently, we define the length of a day as 24 hours and this is divided into units called hours, and this into units called minutes, and this into seconds. 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute. This system of time measurement is known as Standard or Imperial (like the miles, gallons, Fahrenheit, inches, etc. systems in use today).
1 day = 24 hours
1 hour = 60 minutes
1 minute = 60 seconds
1 day = 1440 minutes
1 day = 86,400 seconds
1 hour = 3600 seconds
Though this system is a longstanding tradition for time measuring, it is unneccesarily cumbersome. Most people would have a hard time figuring out how many seconds there are in 9 hours + 47 minutes without a calculator. How about how many hours exist in 48,291 seconds? Time conversions don't need to be so difficult.
To complicate things further, in some parts of the world, we use the AM/PM system to distinguish between the rough times of the 24 hour clock roughly morning and night. So one has to distinguish between 12:34 AM and PM in America (except on military time).
As long as our numeric system is based on 10 digits (0-9 = 10 single digit numbers), we should convert to "metric time". I use this term assuming no one has already staked a claim on some other form of time measurement and named it metric time. Metric Time is surprisingly easy to learn and use. Each day would consist of 10 hours, each hour with 100 minutes, each minute with 100 seconds.
1 day = 10 hours
1 hour = 100 minutes
1 minute = 100 seconds
1 day = 1,000 minutes
1 day = 100,000 seconds
1 hour = 10,000 seconds
Conversions are now made very simple. In the examples used above, 9 hours + 47 minutes (09.47.00) is easily converted to 94,700 seconds. And 48,291 seconds = 4 hours + 82 minutes + 91 seconds (04.82.91).
To understand exactly how long the new hours, minutes, and seconds are in comparison to how we measure time today, just consult the following table:
1 metric hour = 2.4 standard hours
1 metric minute = 1.44 standard minutes (86.4 standard seconds)
1 metric second = 0.864 standard seconds
BINARY TIME
In the event that our numeric system should somehow be converted to a Binary one (2 digits, 1 and 0), we could adopt a system of "binary time". The length of a binary second is defined as thenumber of seconds in a day divided by 2 to the 16th power.
86,400 (standard seconds) / 65,536 (2 to the 16th power) = 1.318359375
Thus, a binary second is roughly equal to 1.3 seconds. The binary system would have 65,536 seconds in a day, 256 seconds per minute, and 256 minutes per day.
1 day = 256 binary minutes (65,536 binary seconds)
1 binary minute = 256 binary seconds
Binary N power Equivalent Standard Seconds
day N=0 86,400
minute N=8 33.5 (5.625 minutes)
second N=16 1.318359375 (~1.3)
minisec N=32 0.000020125 (~2X10 to the -5 power)
The table above is used for this equation: time in a day/2 to the Nth power. This system may seem complicated (to everyone except mathematicians), but that is only because our point of view is from the decimal system based on 10 digits (0-9). If we were raised from birth on the binary system, this system of time measurement would seem natural, logical, and orderly.
Currently, we define the length of a day as 24 hours and this is divided into units called hours, and this into units called minutes, and this into seconds. 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute. This system of time measurement is known as Standard or Imperial (like the miles, gallons, Fahrenheit, inches, etc. systems in use today).
1 day = 24 hours
1 hour = 60 minutes
1 minute = 60 seconds
1 day = 1440 minutes
1 day = 86,400 seconds
1 hour = 3600 seconds
Though this system is a longstanding tradition for time measuring, it is unneccesarily cumbersome. Most people would have a hard time figuring out how many seconds there are in 9 hours + 47 minutes without a calculator. How about how many hours exist in 48,291 seconds? Time conversions don't need to be so difficult.
To complicate things further, in some parts of the world, we use the AM/PM system to distinguish between the rough times of the 24 hour clock roughly morning and night. So one has to distinguish between 12:34 AM and PM in America (except on military time).
As long as our numeric system is based on 10 digits (0-9 = 10 single digit numbers), we should convert to "metric time". I use this term assuming no one has already staked a claim on some other form of time measurement and named it metric time. Metric Time is surprisingly easy to learn and use. Each day would consist of 10 hours, each hour with 100 minutes, each minute with 100 seconds.
1 day = 10 hours
1 hour = 100 minutes
1 minute = 100 seconds
1 day = 1,000 minutes
1 day = 100,000 seconds
1 hour = 10,000 seconds
Conversions are now made very simple. In the examples used above, 9 hours + 47 minutes (09.47.00) is easily converted to 94,700 seconds. And 48,291 seconds = 4 hours + 82 minutes + 91 seconds (04.82.91).
To understand exactly how long the new hours, minutes, and seconds are in comparison to how we measure time today, just consult the following table:
1 metric hour = 2.4 standard hours
1 metric minute = 1.44 standard minutes (86.4 standard seconds)
1 metric second = 0.864 standard seconds
BINARY TIME
In the event that our numeric system should somehow be converted to a Binary one (2 digits, 1 and 0), we could adopt a system of "binary time". The length of a binary second is defined as thenumber of seconds in a day divided by 2 to the 16th power.
86,400 (standard seconds) / 65,536 (2 to the 16th power) = 1.318359375
Thus, a binary second is roughly equal to 1.3 seconds. The binary system would have 65,536 seconds in a day, 256 seconds per minute, and 256 minutes per day.
1 day = 256 binary minutes (65,536 binary seconds)
1 binary minute = 256 binary seconds
Binary N power Equivalent Standard Seconds
day N=0 86,400
minute N=8 33.5 (5.625 minutes)
second N=16 1.318359375 (~1.3)
minisec N=32 0.000020125 (~2X10 to the -5 power)
The table above is used for this equation: time in a day/2 to the Nth power. This system may seem complicated (to everyone except mathematicians), but that is only because our point of view is from the decimal system based on 10 digits (0-9). If we were raised from birth on the binary system, this system of time measurement would seem natural, logical, and orderly.
17 May 2005
Right Wing Conspiracy
The shadows are moving again, but this time the innocent are fighting back. The conspiring conservatives have released a propoganda report attacking foreign politicians for allegedly profiting from illegal oil sales in Iraq's Oil-for-Food program. George Galloway, a British MP (Minister of Parliament), a former member of the Labour Party (until his strong anti-war sentiments conflicted with Blairs policy), came before the US Senate today and really let them have it.
The best weapon we have in our fight against these people is the simple truth. The conspirators were hoping to discredit, disgrace, and burden Mr. Galloway with their baseless attack in the report. He flew to Washington and delivered a forceful defense of his position, very emotionally illuminating the ridiculousness of the baseless insinuations. Not a shred of the accusations are true.
This is the same tactic used for the last 5 years, quite effectively I might add, to attack any adversaries, potential adversaries, journalists, foreign politicians or governments, grassroots organizations, etc. that would stand up to their movement (so called "neo-conservatism", but more like a new line of BS) or shed some light of truth on their lies.
Minnesota senator Norm Coleman, someone who once had a good heart, but decided to feed his ambition and join the right wing conspirators while still mayor of St. Paul, took a good lashing during this proceeding. Coleman needs this nosebleed. He might have a cabinet post soon, helping propagate these liars like Bush and his cronies. Unless we can boot him from office or if he miraculously comes to his senses.
In any case, the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. With the suffocating onslaught coming from the right wingers, from attacking decent people to the media censorship, it is very refreshing to see someone stand up so boldly and face their pack of lies head on. Sort of inspiring in fact, and infectious.
The best weapon we have in our fight against these people is the simple truth. The conspirators were hoping to discredit, disgrace, and burden Mr. Galloway with their baseless attack in the report. He flew to Washington and delivered a forceful defense of his position, very emotionally illuminating the ridiculousness of the baseless insinuations. Not a shred of the accusations are true.
This is the same tactic used for the last 5 years, quite effectively I might add, to attack any adversaries, potential adversaries, journalists, foreign politicians or governments, grassroots organizations, etc. that would stand up to their movement (so called "neo-conservatism", but more like a new line of BS) or shed some light of truth on their lies.
Minnesota senator Norm Coleman, someone who once had a good heart, but decided to feed his ambition and join the right wing conspirators while still mayor of St. Paul, took a good lashing during this proceeding. Coleman needs this nosebleed. He might have a cabinet post soon, helping propagate these liars like Bush and his cronies. Unless we can boot him from office or if he miraculously comes to his senses.
In any case, the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. With the suffocating onslaught coming from the right wingers, from attacking decent people to the media censorship, it is very refreshing to see someone stand up so boldly and face their pack of lies head on. Sort of inspiring in fact, and infectious.
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