Would You Support the Development of a Bionic Person?
As I understand it, bionics is meant to replace and/or enhance anatomical structures or physiological processes. I don't have an issue with replacing an anatomical structure or physiological process that is either missing or not working properly. It is easy for me to accept this position when I imagine having a disabled child. I think I would want to do everything possible to restore his or her full capabilities.
However, enhancing normal functioning of the human body seems to contradict nature. It scares me to think about what could result from this. It's bad enough that athletes use steroids to enhance their performance. It’s the same with cosmetic surgery (and I'm not talking about the variety that is done to repair burn damage or some grotesque feature which makes life exceedingly difficult). Cosmetic surgery is becoming more and more commonplace because our society is so attached to looking a certain way. This mentality leads to more insecurity which leads to more surgery. I think there is a point when artificial intervention of any kind becomes pointless and even counterproductive because it does not allow us to accept our natural limitations. Of course everyone's definition of extreme is different and that is one of the things which makes this issue so complicated.
How Would You Rate the Control of Artificial Limbs by Thought Alone?
I support more scientific research in the area of implants. Obviously this technology is still in its infancy, but I think there is great potential for it to help many people who would be otherwise unable to function. It's exciting to think that a person's brain may have the potential to assimilate an artificial limb, making it his or her own. It’s also promising that parts of the human brain, given the right stimulus, can be awakened after being unused for a long time.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
Energy Medicine and Energy Fields
Acupuncture As Effective Energy Medicine
Acupuncture is an effective Energy medicine. Acupuncture treats disharmony in the body. It balances the flow of qi through the meridians to restore and maintain health. It is especially effective for treating pain and a variety of other health concerns. There are many well-established uses for the application of acupuncture, despite the lack of clinical studies to support its efficacy.
What conclusions can you draw from Kirlian photography?
I am not sure what to make of Kirlian photography. Some of the research I've conducted indicates that stress, fatigue and environmental factors such as humidity, air pressure, voltage, frequency and time exposure influence the Kirilian picture. Even some vendors of Kirlian equipment claim that the corona discharge is due to variable physical parameters. One of the sites I visited made it very clear that Kirlian photography has nothing to do with auras and that many people make this erroneous connection. I think I need to learn more about Kirlian photography before I can conclude anything definitive.
Human Intent As It Affects Health
I absolutely believe that intention affects health. We all know from studying TCM that the mind and body are inextricably linked. They do not a function separately and are intricately connected and influenced by each other. When we are frustrated and unhappy it affects our physical health. So, despite life's challenges, it is important to focus on those things which make us feel happy and healthy. Also, healing is more effective when we believe in the treatment. I have, however, experienced certain treatments to be effective even though I didn't believe in them (Chinese medicine included).
Acupuncture is an effective Energy medicine. Acupuncture treats disharmony in the body. It balances the flow of qi through the meridians to restore and maintain health. It is especially effective for treating pain and a variety of other health concerns. There are many well-established uses for the application of acupuncture, despite the lack of clinical studies to support its efficacy.
What conclusions can you draw from Kirlian photography?
I am not sure what to make of Kirlian photography. Some of the research I've conducted indicates that stress, fatigue and environmental factors such as humidity, air pressure, voltage, frequency and time exposure influence the Kirilian picture. Even some vendors of Kirlian equipment claim that the corona discharge is due to variable physical parameters. One of the sites I visited made it very clear that Kirlian photography has nothing to do with auras and that many people make this erroneous connection. I think I need to learn more about Kirlian photography before I can conclude anything definitive.
Human Intent As It Affects Health
I absolutely believe that intention affects health. We all know from studying TCM that the mind and body are inextricably linked. They do not a function separately and are intricately connected and influenced by each other. When we are frustrated and unhappy it affects our physical health. So, despite life's challenges, it is important to focus on those things which make us feel happy and healthy. Also, healing is more effective when we believe in the treatment. I have, however, experienced certain treatments to be effective even though I didn't believe in them (Chinese medicine included).
Monday, July 23, 2007
Life and Living Systems
I Know I Am a Living System Because….
I'm organized as a living being . I am composed of living cells which continually replicate themselves. I am constantly transforming as a person. I am different from who I was one year ago, and am vastly different from who I was 20 years ago. I get sick and get better. I am continually self producing and am responding to my environment. I am a living being because I think I am.
Biophysics and Me
Biophysics is a diverse field crossing over many different disciplines such as biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, chemistry and physiology. I relate mostly to Biophysics as it explains how living organisms function. For example, it explains the function of cells and tissues, as well as the behavior of DNA, hormones, enzymes and antibodies. It also explains the biological properties of cell membranes. I studied these molecular structures in anatomy and physiology. I think this stuff is fascinating. Biophysics has allowed scientists to directly observe the biological behavior and physical properties of DNA. I think it's amazing that the behavior of a single molecule can influence the biological functioning of an organism.
I'm organized as a living being . I am composed of living cells which continually replicate themselves. I am constantly transforming as a person. I am different from who I was one year ago, and am vastly different from who I was 20 years ago. I get sick and get better. I am continually self producing and am responding to my environment. I am a living being because I think I am.
Biophysics and Me
Biophysics is a diverse field crossing over many different disciplines such as biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, chemistry and physiology. I relate mostly to Biophysics as it explains how living organisms function. For example, it explains the function of cells and tissues, as well as the behavior of DNA, hormones, enzymes and antibodies. It also explains the biological properties of cell membranes. I studied these molecular structures in anatomy and physiology. I think this stuff is fascinating. Biophysics has allowed scientists to directly observe the biological behavior and physical properties of DNA. I think it's amazing that the behavior of a single molecule can influence the biological functioning of an organism.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Assignment 9
My E-Prime Day
According to certain medical specialists my mother appears to have bleeding in her brain. They also claim she appears to have a blood clot in her heart. Based on my impression of her when I visited her on the weekend, she seemed extremely weak and sick. Her doctors seem to think that she will die of a stroke or a heart attack. At this present time, it appears there is nothing they can do about it. Due to the circumstances I feel sad, worried and distracted.
Can I synthesize East and West?
The first thing that comes to mind is a recent exercise I learned in my Qi Gong class. It was a tonification exercise in which we brought Qi into our bodies. While doing this exercise, we visualized that various parts of our bodies were glowing with white light, like a light bulb. Each time we brought more Qi into our bodies, we visualized that we were turning up the electricity, so to speak, in order to make our light glow more brightly. This may be an obscure example, but I thought it was interesting that we were doing an Eastern exercise while visualizing Western concepts such as light bulbs and electricity.
Eastern and Western influences are often combined in cuisine. I am reminded of a horrible example of East/West fusion that I experienced in a restaurant in Maine last year. I ordered a salad with Cajun chicken, black beans and raw greens. When I tasted it, I discovered it had soy sauce on it. I called it “Asian-Cajun fusion”. Needless to say, it wasn’t good. Of course there are plenty of wonderful examples of cuisine which blends flavors from the East and the West. This was just not one of them.
Another example of how the East and West come together is in music. There are several artists both Western and Eastern who combine elements of various cultures into their music. One example that comes to mind is Asha Puthli. She synthesizes jazz, disco, rock and Indian music into an exotic and original musical style.
According to certain medical specialists my mother appears to have bleeding in her brain. They also claim she appears to have a blood clot in her heart. Based on my impression of her when I visited her on the weekend, she seemed extremely weak and sick. Her doctors seem to think that she will die of a stroke or a heart attack. At this present time, it appears there is nothing they can do about it. Due to the circumstances I feel sad, worried and distracted.
Can I synthesize East and West?
The first thing that comes to mind is a recent exercise I learned in my Qi Gong class. It was a tonification exercise in which we brought Qi into our bodies. While doing this exercise, we visualized that various parts of our bodies were glowing with white light, like a light bulb. Each time we brought more Qi into our bodies, we visualized that we were turning up the electricity, so to speak, in order to make our light glow more brightly. This may be an obscure example, but I thought it was interesting that we were doing an Eastern exercise while visualizing Western concepts such as light bulbs and electricity.
Eastern and Western influences are often combined in cuisine. I am reminded of a horrible example of East/West fusion that I experienced in a restaurant in Maine last year. I ordered a salad with Cajun chicken, black beans and raw greens. When I tasted it, I discovered it had soy sauce on it. I called it “Asian-Cajun fusion”. Needless to say, it wasn’t good. Of course there are plenty of wonderful examples of cuisine which blends flavors from the East and the West. This was just not one of them.
Another example of how the East and West come together is in music. There are several artists both Western and Eastern who combine elements of various cultures into their music. One example that comes to mind is Asha Puthli. She synthesizes jazz, disco, rock and Indian music into an exotic and original musical style.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Two Ball Bounce Experiment
Sorry I forgot to post this to my blog on chaos theory...
I did the experiment on bouncing two balls together. The results turned out exactly as expected. I put a small ball on top of a large ball and dropped them together. The bottom one hit the ground first and rebounded. On its way up, it hit the top ball, which was on its way down. The energy from the large ball was transferred to the small ball, which made an especially big bounce. This was really interesting and especially fun for my dog. We did it many times.
Assignment 7
Ordered Chaos - Does This Sound Familiar?
Yes it does. This reminds me of the process that I undertake when writing a paper. I am always overwhelmed by too many ideas and a feeling that I simply will not be able to organize them in a way that will result in something intelligible. My process is very unstructured. I simply start writing. I get a few paragraphs which come together until I am moved to follow a certain direction. Then, I write some more and sometimes my direction changes. I write a lot of stuff down, reorganized it and re- read it. I do this over and over again. I simply cannot rest until the thing is finished. By the time I have completed it, I feel good.
Fractals As Patterns of Complex Systems
As I understand it, a fractal is a geometric shape they can be divided into parts, each of which is a reduced size copy of the whole. They are inordinately complex because at all levels of magnification they appear the same. In nature, fractals appear in clouds, mountain ranges, and snowflakes. Straight lines are not fractals even though one part of the line is just like the whole. I think the reason for this is because it is one-dimensional. Not sure.
Consciousness Out Of Chaos
I'm not sure where I'm supposed to go with this question, so I am going to talk about the way I personally relate to chaos. Well, I don't handle it very well. I have a very strong internal need for order. This started from a very early age. I can remember, as a young girl in first grade, planning how I was going to organize my desk or clean my room. I would actually have a premeditated plan for how I was going to go about it and then I would do it. I didn't need any prompting for my mom, I just liked to create organized spaces.
I still love to organize and throw things away. I don't like clutter because I find I can relax more easily without it. I don't need a lot of stuff. I don't like to have too many clothes in my closet, for example, because it makes it too complicated to get dressed. At least three times a year I give stuff away just so I can create more empty space in my home. This makes me feel lighter in my mind. I can think more clearly about things that matter to me when I don't have a lot of unnecessary stuff to contend with.
Yes it does. This reminds me of the process that I undertake when writing a paper. I am always overwhelmed by too many ideas and a feeling that I simply will not be able to organize them in a way that will result in something intelligible. My process is very unstructured. I simply start writing. I get a few paragraphs which come together until I am moved to follow a certain direction. Then, I write some more and sometimes my direction changes. I write a lot of stuff down, reorganized it and re- read it. I do this over and over again. I simply cannot rest until the thing is finished. By the time I have completed it, I feel good.
Fractals As Patterns of Complex Systems
As I understand it, a fractal is a geometric shape they can be divided into parts, each of which is a reduced size copy of the whole. They are inordinately complex because at all levels of magnification they appear the same. In nature, fractals appear in clouds, mountain ranges, and snowflakes. Straight lines are not fractals even though one part of the line is just like the whole. I think the reason for this is because it is one-dimensional. Not sure.
Consciousness Out Of Chaos
I'm not sure where I'm supposed to go with this question, so I am going to talk about the way I personally relate to chaos. Well, I don't handle it very well. I have a very strong internal need for order. This started from a very early age. I can remember, as a young girl in first grade, planning how I was going to organize my desk or clean my room. I would actually have a premeditated plan for how I was going to go about it and then I would do it. I didn't need any prompting for my mom, I just liked to create organized spaces.
I still love to organize and throw things away. I don't like clutter because I find I can relax more easily without it. I don't need a lot of stuff. I don't like to have too many clothes in my closet, for example, because it makes it too complicated to get dressed. At least three times a year I give stuff away just so I can create more empty space in my home. This makes me feel lighter in my mind. I can think more clearly about things that matter to me when I don't have a lot of unnecessary stuff to contend with.
Assignment 8
Newton’s Three Laws of Motion and Me
First law: Objects at rest will remain at rest, and objects in motion will remain in motion in a straight-line at constant velocity. A force must be applied to change the state of motion of an object. An example of this law is when I walk with a glass of water. When I stop short, the water comes spilling out of the glass. The water continues in motion and spills out of the glass.
Second law: the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force acting on it, and inversely proportional to its mass. When I drop something out of the second-story window the object falls to the ground at a rate directly proportional to gravity (the force acting on it).
Third law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When I am out bear hunting, I can feel the recoil of my rifle against my shoulder (just kidding).
Our Energy-efficient Culture
Some improvements in energy efficiency have been made over the last few decades. For example we are increasingly using hydroelectric, solar and wind power. However, air pollution continues to be a serious environmental problem. Poor air quality has contributed to a staggering increase in respiratory illnesses. Average annual visibility has decreased in winter to an average of 25 miles, and in summer to an average of 12 miles. Petroleum prices are at record highs with no end in sight. The US is reliant on an outdated electric grid in which sufficient improvements have yet to be made. All of these issues add to growing concerns about global warming. I think the US has a long way to go before it can consider itself an energy-efficient nation particularly from the point of view of consumption of fossil fuel.
First law: Objects at rest will remain at rest, and objects in motion will remain in motion in a straight-line at constant velocity. A force must be applied to change the state of motion of an object. An example of this law is when I walk with a glass of water. When I stop short, the water comes spilling out of the glass. The water continues in motion and spills out of the glass.
Second law: the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force acting on it, and inversely proportional to its mass. When I drop something out of the second-story window the object falls to the ground at a rate directly proportional to gravity (the force acting on it).
Third law: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. When I am out bear hunting, I can feel the recoil of my rifle against my shoulder (just kidding).
Our Energy-efficient Culture
Some improvements in energy efficiency have been made over the last few decades. For example we are increasingly using hydroelectric, solar and wind power. However, air pollution continues to be a serious environmental problem. Poor air quality has contributed to a staggering increase in respiratory illnesses. Average annual visibility has decreased in winter to an average of 25 miles, and in summer to an average of 12 miles. Petroleum prices are at record highs with no end in sight. The US is reliant on an outdated electric grid in which sufficient improvements have yet to be made. All of these issues add to growing concerns about global warming. I think the US has a long way to go before it can consider itself an energy-efficient nation particularly from the point of view of consumption of fossil fuel.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Assignment 6
Are All Vibrations Good?
Clearly, no. As we studied in class this week, the effect of certain types of vibrations can be catastrophic. For example, the Nimitz Freeway in Oakland and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (aka Galloping Gertie) both collapsed as a result of vibrations. Perhaps an even more startling example was the devastation in Indonesia as a result of the tsunami which struck on December 26, 2005. These are obviously dramatic examples of how vibrations can negatively impact life. They can, however, operate on a more subtle level as well. We have all experienced people who possess so-called “bad vibes.” To my knowledge there is no way of measuring bad vibes, or even good vibes for the matter, but we can certainly feel the effect they have on us.
Resonance in my world.
There is resonance all around me, or should I say “in me.” For example, I resonate with music, art, architecture, people, animals and nature. Sometimes resonance feels good and sometimes it doesn't. Hideous architecture can make me feel angry, likewise with strident music. But a beautiful Rachmaninoff or Bill Evans piece can make my heart soar. I especially resonate with nature. It almost always soothes and relaxes me.
Connections I can make between energy and Qi.
I think Qi is energy. We can’t precisely measure it, but we know it exists. We can feel it. For example, we can feel it when our Qi is flowing smoothly and when it is not. Sometimes our Qi is deficient. We can feel that too. Qi is our lifeforce; It is energy.
Qi is all around us. It is the energy that we sense in all of nature. We can certainly feel the affect that a cold rainy day has on our bodies. Weather has a certain Qi or vibe to it, depending on if it’s windy, cold, hot, dry etc. Since I started studying Chinese medicine, I've become extremely aware of the affect that weather has on me.
We also feel Qi when we step inside a dwelling. One of the most palpable experiences I had in this regard was when I went to visit a home that was for sale. I felt a strong visceral reaction when I stepped inside. The ceilings were oppressively low, there were hardly any windows, the air reeked of cigarette smoke, and absolutely no care had been taken toward this home. I could feel the energy or Qi of the people who lived there, even though they were not physically present.
Clearly, no. As we studied in class this week, the effect of certain types of vibrations can be catastrophic. For example, the Nimitz Freeway in Oakland and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (aka Galloping Gertie) both collapsed as a result of vibrations. Perhaps an even more startling example was the devastation in Indonesia as a result of the tsunami which struck on December 26, 2005. These are obviously dramatic examples of how vibrations can negatively impact life. They can, however, operate on a more subtle level as well. We have all experienced people who possess so-called “bad vibes.” To my knowledge there is no way of measuring bad vibes, or even good vibes for the matter, but we can certainly feel the effect they have on us.
Resonance in my world.
There is resonance all around me, or should I say “in me.” For example, I resonate with music, art, architecture, people, animals and nature. Sometimes resonance feels good and sometimes it doesn't. Hideous architecture can make me feel angry, likewise with strident music. But a beautiful Rachmaninoff or Bill Evans piece can make my heart soar. I especially resonate with nature. It almost always soothes and relaxes me.
Connections I can make between energy and Qi.
I think Qi is energy. We can’t precisely measure it, but we know it exists. We can feel it. For example, we can feel it when our Qi is flowing smoothly and when it is not. Sometimes our Qi is deficient. We can feel that too. Qi is our lifeforce; It is energy.
Qi is all around us. It is the energy that we sense in all of nature. We can certainly feel the affect that a cold rainy day has on our bodies. Weather has a certain Qi or vibe to it, depending on if it’s windy, cold, hot, dry etc. Since I started studying Chinese medicine, I've become extremely aware of the affect that weather has on me.
We also feel Qi when we step inside a dwelling. One of the most palpable experiences I had in this regard was when I went to visit a home that was for sale. I felt a strong visceral reaction when I stepped inside. The ceilings were oppressively low, there were hardly any windows, the air reeked of cigarette smoke, and absolutely no care had been taken toward this home. I could feel the energy or Qi of the people who lived there, even though they were not physically present.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Assignment 5 cont.
What Does CP Violation Mean?
Well, after spending far too much time trying to discern the meaning of the CP violation, I still feel confused them frustrated. I know it has something to do with the behavior of particles and anti-particles. As I understand it, particles and antiparticles behave the same whether going backward or forward in time. Only in the decay of kaons, is the behavior of particles/antiparticles variable.
This makes me think of my own behavior as I write this paragraph. There is the “me” that is frustrated and with myself for not being able to adequately comprehend these concepts, and there is the “anti-me” who is sitting on a beach somewhere feeling very relaxed drinking a Margarita. This is what CP violation means to me.
Well, after spending far too much time trying to discern the meaning of the CP violation, I still feel confused them frustrated. I know it has something to do with the behavior of particles and anti-particles. As I understand it, particles and antiparticles behave the same whether going backward or forward in time. Only in the decay of kaons, is the behavior of particles/antiparticles variable.
This makes me think of my own behavior as I write this paragraph. There is the “me” that is frustrated and with myself for not being able to adequately comprehend these concepts, and there is the “anti-me” who is sitting on a beach somewhere feeling very relaxed drinking a Margarita. This is what CP violation means to me.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Assignment #5
My Symmetrical World
When I think of symmetry, I think of proportion. I see symmetry all around me. For example, symmetry can be found in man-made objects. The cars we drive (two headlights; a driver’s seat and a passenger seat), Greek and Roman architecture, various cultural symbols (the mandala and the I-Ching). Symmetry is found in all of nature. For example, leaves are symmetrical. The Human body is symmetrical in many respects. We have 2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 arms etc. Such symmetry can also be found in every species I can think of. For me symmetry is beauty. I like balance and proportion.
Are There Connections between Sacred Geometry and Physics?
Both sacred geometry and physics use math to help make sense out of the world around us. Sacred geometry can be described as objects or shapes that have religious or cultural significance and which are based on complex mathematical relationships. For example, the golden ratio was used in the design of Greek and Roman architecture. Pyramids and crop circles also have a mathematical order to them. Since early times math was used to make sense out of abstract concepts such as time, life, and consciousness. Physics is the study of nature, in its broadest sense. Physicists seek to understand and explain the properties of energy and matter by using complex mathematical formulas.
When I think of symmetry, I think of proportion. I see symmetry all around me. For example, symmetry can be found in man-made objects. The cars we drive (two headlights; a driver’s seat and a passenger seat), Greek and Roman architecture, various cultural symbols (the mandala and the I-Ching). Symmetry is found in all of nature. For example, leaves are symmetrical. The Human body is symmetrical in many respects. We have 2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 2 arms etc. Such symmetry can also be found in every species I can think of. For me symmetry is beauty. I like balance and proportion.
Are There Connections between Sacred Geometry and Physics?
Both sacred geometry and physics use math to help make sense out of the world around us. Sacred geometry can be described as objects or shapes that have religious or cultural significance and which are based on complex mathematical relationships. For example, the golden ratio was used in the design of Greek and Roman architecture. Pyramids and crop circles also have a mathematical order to them. Since early times math was used to make sense out of abstract concepts such as time, life, and consciousness. Physics is the study of nature, in its broadest sense. Physicists seek to understand and explain the properties of energy and matter by using complex mathematical formulas.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Assignment 4
How has e+mc2 affected you?
This equation explains how energy is released when mass is broken down. Examples of this relationship between mass in energy can be seen every day: the light and heat we get from the sun; the energy that is generated from nuclear power stations. In fact, our very existence depends upon this equation. Paradoxically,nuclear warfare, which has the potential to wipe out life as we know it, is also an example of this equation.
How would you compare the four forces?
In terms of magnitude, the strongest of the four forces is the strong nuclear force. The weakest magnitude is gravity (which seems paradoxical when one considers that we need something the size of earth to hold down!). In terms of distance, the strong and weak nuclear forces are stronger than the electromagnetic or gravitational forces.
Personally, I had some difficulty understanding each of these forces during class. So I looked at several definitions on the Web until I found some to which I could relate. They're listed below for those who may be interested.
Electromagnetic force: This force gives material objects the illusion of solidity, even though they are composed primarily of empty space. James Clark Maxwell discovered that magnetism, electricity, light, radio waves, x-rays and properties of solids, liquids, and gases were different aspects of the electromagnetic force.
Strong force: This force is responsible for the binding of protons and neutrons into atomic nuclei. It also underlies interactions between all particles containing quarks (an elemental subatomic particle).
Weak force: This force relates to some forms of radioactivity and is responsible for the nuclear fusion reaction that fuels the sun.
Gravity: This is a natural force of attraction exerted by a celestial body, such as the earth, upon objects that are near its surface.
What is the function of gravity?
Gravity is the force that keeps earth and all of the planets in their orbits around the sun. It holds celestial bodies in place. It helps to make life as we know it possible. Without it, we would not exist.
This equation explains how energy is released when mass is broken down. Examples of this relationship between mass in energy can be seen every day: the light and heat we get from the sun; the energy that is generated from nuclear power stations. In fact, our very existence depends upon this equation. Paradoxically,nuclear warfare, which has the potential to wipe out life as we know it, is also an example of this equation.
How would you compare the four forces?
In terms of magnitude, the strongest of the four forces is the strong nuclear force. The weakest magnitude is gravity (which seems paradoxical when one considers that we need something the size of earth to hold down!). In terms of distance, the strong and weak nuclear forces are stronger than the electromagnetic or gravitational forces.
Personally, I had some difficulty understanding each of these forces during class. So I looked at several definitions on the Web until I found some to which I could relate. They're listed below for those who may be interested.
Electromagnetic force: This force gives material objects the illusion of solidity, even though they are composed primarily of empty space. James Clark Maxwell discovered that magnetism, electricity, light, radio waves, x-rays and properties of solids, liquids, and gases were different aspects of the electromagnetic force.
Strong force: This force is responsible for the binding of protons and neutrons into atomic nuclei. It also underlies interactions between all particles containing quarks (an elemental subatomic particle).
Weak force: This force relates to some forms of radioactivity and is responsible for the nuclear fusion reaction that fuels the sun.
Gravity: This is a natural force of attraction exerted by a celestial body, such as the earth, upon objects that are near its surface.
What is the function of gravity?
Gravity is the force that keeps earth and all of the planets in their orbits around the sun. It holds celestial bodies in place. It helps to make life as we know it possible. Without it, we would not exist.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Assignment 3
What Evidence Can You Find for Synchronicity?
Synchronicity shows up for me in fairly mundane ways. For example, as we discussed in class, I think about someone and the next thing I know that person is calling me. Or I will call a friend, and he or she will say to me, “ I was just thinking about you.” Most recently, I've woke up one morning between 2-2:30 am and my dear friend, Mahate, had just begun labor. I was supposed to see her at 11:00 that very morning, immediately following my class, but for some reason I decided to call her before I left for school. This is when I found out that she was in labor. Although her boyfriend told me it was OK for me to go to class and come over afterwords, I felt I couldn't wait. And it was a good thing too, because if I hadn't gotten there when I did, I would have missed the whole thing. Is this synchronicity or simply intuition? I'm not sure. But, it seems to me that my need to be with Mahate (inner event) and Mahate’s labor (outer event) are acausally related in a meaningful way.
Based on what you know, how would you explain connectivity?
The concept of connectivity is illustrated in quantum entanglement, wherein a measurement on one part of a quantum system has an instantaneous effect (faster than the speed of light) on another part of the system, regardless of the distance between the two parts. An example of this concept is illustrated in the reading about The Sphinx. The identity of the Sphinx was completely determined by the observer’s selection of a lens.
I think of connectivity in the sense that we are all connected in some way or another by our life experiences. For example, having children helps one connect with others who have children. This connection can be physical (the kids play together) and also emotional (the parents can relate to one another because of their shared experiences concerning child-rearing).
I am now experiencing a new level of connectivity as the proud owner of a puppy. I've never understood the dog world, or the world of their owners and how they relate to their dogs. I've always been perplexed by how enthusiastic people get about their animals. But now I am so wildly in love with my new puppy that I can hardly contain myself. I find I am just like other obnoxiously proud dog owners who love to report on the funny things that their dogs do. Dog ownership has completely expanded my universe. Since getting my puppy one week ago, I am receptive to other dogs and enjoy talking with dog owners about their dogs. It's as if I'm seeing dogs and their owners through a new lens, if you will. I am now able to connect with other dogs and their owners in a profound and meaningful way because I have a dog of my own.
Synchronicity shows up for me in fairly mundane ways. For example, as we discussed in class, I think about someone and the next thing I know that person is calling me. Or I will call a friend, and he or she will say to me, “ I was just thinking about you.” Most recently, I've woke up one morning between 2-2:30 am and my dear friend, Mahate, had just begun labor. I was supposed to see her at 11:00 that very morning, immediately following my class, but for some reason I decided to call her before I left for school. This is when I found out that she was in labor. Although her boyfriend told me it was OK for me to go to class and come over afterwords, I felt I couldn't wait. And it was a good thing too, because if I hadn't gotten there when I did, I would have missed the whole thing. Is this synchronicity or simply intuition? I'm not sure. But, it seems to me that my need to be with Mahate (inner event) and Mahate’s labor (outer event) are acausally related in a meaningful way.
Based on what you know, how would you explain connectivity?
The concept of connectivity is illustrated in quantum entanglement, wherein a measurement on one part of a quantum system has an instantaneous effect (faster than the speed of light) on another part of the system, regardless of the distance between the two parts. An example of this concept is illustrated in the reading about The Sphinx. The identity of the Sphinx was completely determined by the observer’s selection of a lens.
I think of connectivity in the sense that we are all connected in some way or another by our life experiences. For example, having children helps one connect with others who have children. This connection can be physical (the kids play together) and also emotional (the parents can relate to one another because of their shared experiences concerning child-rearing).
I am now experiencing a new level of connectivity as the proud owner of a puppy. I've never understood the dog world, or the world of their owners and how they relate to their dogs. I've always been perplexed by how enthusiastic people get about their animals. But now I am so wildly in love with my new puppy that I can hardly contain myself. I find I am just like other obnoxiously proud dog owners who love to report on the funny things that their dogs do. Dog ownership has completely expanded my universe. Since getting my puppy one week ago, I am receptive to other dogs and enjoy talking with dog owners about their dogs. It's as if I'm seeing dogs and their owners through a new lens, if you will. I am now able to connect with other dogs and their owners in a profound and meaningful way because I have a dog of my own.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Assignment 2
Reflections on Uncertainty
I am fascinated by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. As I understand it, he said we cannot measure two qualities of an object at once with the same degree of precision. In other words, one has to choose which property to focus on and by doing so, the nature of the object changes. An example of this is when one tries to define light as a wave or a particle. As we read in class, Young thought light was a wave while Plank thought light was a particle. We now know that light is both a wave and a particle and it will behave one way or the other depending on how we measure it.
In a broader context, it seems that everything is uncertain, not just the behavior of subatomic particles. For when we choose to focus on a certain aspect of something, whether it is an object, a person, a religion or a culture, the nature of it changes. Our bias interferes with its very essence. Kristina Wirtz relates the Uncertainty Principle to what happens when humans observe other cultures. She says descriptions of other cultures are necessarily dependent on the observer’s point of view. Of course we all have our own biases which affect our perceptions. It's interesting to apply theories about quantum mechanics to human perception.
Comments on Causality
Can I cause a particle to come into existence just by measuring it? Does a tree fall in the forest just because I hear it? If I don't hear it, see it or verify it’s existence in some way, does this mean it doesn't exist?
I have a hard time believing that things are not happening unless I have something to do with it. While this is interesting to ponder, I think it is egocentric to believe that I or anyone else has this much power. I prefer to think that things exist just because they do, not because I or anyone else has anything to do with it.
Is the Universe Weird?
Yes, and it is awesome too! It is so complex and so miraculous. And, physics makes it seem even more weird. It's giving me all sorts of new ways to think about the universe, and at the same time is making it even more complex.
I am fascinated by Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. As I understand it, he said we cannot measure two qualities of an object at once with the same degree of precision. In other words, one has to choose which property to focus on and by doing so, the nature of the object changes. An example of this is when one tries to define light as a wave or a particle. As we read in class, Young thought light was a wave while Plank thought light was a particle. We now know that light is both a wave and a particle and it will behave one way or the other depending on how we measure it.
In a broader context, it seems that everything is uncertain, not just the behavior of subatomic particles. For when we choose to focus on a certain aspect of something, whether it is an object, a person, a religion or a culture, the nature of it changes. Our bias interferes with its very essence. Kristina Wirtz relates the Uncertainty Principle to what happens when humans observe other cultures. She says descriptions of other cultures are necessarily dependent on the observer’s point of view. Of course we all have our own biases which affect our perceptions. It's interesting to apply theories about quantum mechanics to human perception.
Comments on Causality
Can I cause a particle to come into existence just by measuring it? Does a tree fall in the forest just because I hear it? If I don't hear it, see it or verify it’s existence in some way, does this mean it doesn't exist?
I have a hard time believing that things are not happening unless I have something to do with it. While this is interesting to ponder, I think it is egocentric to believe that I or anyone else has this much power. I prefer to think that things exist just because they do, not because I or anyone else has anything to do with it.
Is the Universe Weird?
Yes, and it is awesome too! It is so complex and so miraculous. And, physics makes it seem even more weird. It's giving me all sorts of new ways to think about the universe, and at the same time is making it even more complex.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Assignment #1
The following attracts me to Chinese medicine:
1. It is a comprehensive and very well integrated healing modality.
2. It is highly regulated.
3. It is so interesting and the learning never stops.
4. I get to interact with people one-on-one and I do not have to sit at a desk all-day.
5. I enjoy the kind of people who work in this field.
6. It is extremely effective for a variety of heath problems.
What do I honestly think of physics?
I am intimidated by it and yet very interested in it. I enjoy finding rational explanations for how things work.
Now that I think about it, have I ever experienced time slowing down?
The only time I have been aware of this was when I was in labor. Time seemed more irrelevant than anything.
My reflections about time.
Usually when I think about time I am mostly concerned about not having enough of it or feeling like time is passing me by. Often I think about getting older. When my 92-year-old father became very sick and died last year, I started thinking about aging a lot. My dad had a long and very productive life, but his death made me acutely aware of the fact that life is relatively short in the grand scheme of things.
It was refreshing to think about time in a different context during last week's class. For example, I did not know that the Earth's rotation is slowing down. I also did not know about the incredible accuracy of atomic clocks and that they had to be set back by one second in order to accommodate the slowing down of the Earth's rotation. This was an interesting discovery!
I enjoyed contemplating the formation of the universe and the discussion about the first stars which formed in the universe. Of course I have contemplated this topic before, but have not thought about it in a longtime. It made me realize that my reflections about time are typically self-centered and very limited.
1. It is a comprehensive and very well integrated healing modality.
2. It is highly regulated.
3. It is so interesting and the learning never stops.
4. I get to interact with people one-on-one and I do not have to sit at a desk all-day.
5. I enjoy the kind of people who work in this field.
6. It is extremely effective for a variety of heath problems.
What do I honestly think of physics?
I am intimidated by it and yet very interested in it. I enjoy finding rational explanations for how things work.
Now that I think about it, have I ever experienced time slowing down?
The only time I have been aware of this was when I was in labor. Time seemed more irrelevant than anything.
My reflections about time.
Usually when I think about time I am mostly concerned about not having enough of it or feeling like time is passing me by. Often I think about getting older. When my 92-year-old father became very sick and died last year, I started thinking about aging a lot. My dad had a long and very productive life, but his death made me acutely aware of the fact that life is relatively short in the grand scheme of things.
It was refreshing to think about time in a different context during last week's class. For example, I did not know that the Earth's rotation is slowing down. I also did not know about the incredible accuracy of atomic clocks and that they had to be set back by one second in order to accommodate the slowing down of the Earth's rotation. This was an interesting discovery!
I enjoyed contemplating the formation of the universe and the discussion about the first stars which formed in the universe. Of course I have contemplated this topic before, but have not thought about it in a longtime. It made me realize that my reflections about time are typically self-centered and very limited.
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