Doh ! Life’s just a hologram really.

I blogged several times before about holochory (holography) being closely related to the idea that the world is fundamentally information behind all those things we might think of as particles, waves and forces. (Particularly compelling thought if you ever wonder about communication bypassing the world we conceive as “physical” – ie paranormal stuff, but not half as daft if you think of quantum non-locality and entanglement – everything, everywhere, all at the same time.)

Even after expressing wonderment at the possibility of that very point, just a year or so ago, I remember noticing in a re-read of Michael Talbot’s “Mysticism and the New Physics” from years earlier (1976/81), that he already mentions the fundamantal nature of holography, suggesting, in about as real a sense as it is possible to suggest such a thing, that the world we see really is a hologram.

What I didn’t spot until reading this cross-hit link from The Irate Scotsman (Matt Gemmell) that Michael Talbot had also written “The Holographic Universe” (1991). Matt also picks up on the William Blake quote “to see the world in a grain of sand” – an allusion I recognise from earlier forays into this space, I’m sure.

Actually Matt’s ongoing blog looks extremely intelligent and interesting all round from my Psybertron prespective. And whole new set of linked people in the blogroll. More reading to do ! (A feeling Matt seems to share – too much to read, too much to write, too little time.) Young Matt’s “about” page suggests he’s no shrinking violet (!) but his “belief creates” adage is a nice terse abreviation of “some things have to be believed to be seen”. Can’t help thinking that brain is wasted on “scrolling pie menus”.

Time Management – It’s Not Rocket Science After All

With inspiration taken from David Allen’s “Getting Things Done”, last December, Dave Pollard outlined a simple methodology for organising and prioritising tasks. Particularly liked the recognition that frequently procrastinated tasks on the old to do list, hide dependent tasks, better exposed like mini projects in their own right. Difficult task = Assembly of several easier ones.

As I say, it’s not rocket science but simple methods are always helpful.

What is this doing in the “Technology” section ?

Is the medium really the message ? Need to separate the politics and content of “free” publishing from the technology used.

This might show two things – (a) this kind of censorship and repressive punishment happens, and the blogosphere simply helps make it more publicly apparent. (b) Repressive authorities may choose to repress the freedom of the blogging medium irrespective of the actual message.

I’ve not read the “offending” blog (see here too), so I have no new opinion on the politics of the content. We already know authoritarian cleric regimes suppress anti-authoritarian criticism – that’s why they’re authoritarian, that’s what Amnesty International has always been about isn’t it.

Yes, condemn repression, but let’s not confuse blogging with a cause, the subject, the target. (Too late of course, just another toxic meme out there.)

It’s only a cliche, but it’s rock n roll after all.

Some of you will have spotted I did some research on live music before coming to Oz. Both Perth (where I’m headed) and Melbourne (where I am now).

But neither “The Green Room” (Elizabeth and Flinders) nor “Australianmusicweek” hit my radar. The final event is not until Saturday, and I didn’t even see the band (“The High Stakes”) that won tonight’s heat. Nor, by all accounts, did I even see the band with the best musician (Guitarist, Jeb, of “Animal Simpson”)

I did see “Sin City” and “Sojourn”. Chalk and Cheese. My white sneakers were the only non-black attire in the place, apart from Sojourn lead’s boy-scout neck-chief. If I had a pound for each Lou Reed inspired T-shirt. You get the idea. (Reminds me of Keith Allen doing “Perfect Day” every time.)

Last first. Sojourn’s complexity of structure (and hair cuts) reminded me of The Cooper Temple Clause. Worthy, clever, accomplished rock, and very good entertainment, Sojourn are local Melbourne boys apparently.

Sin City on the other hand – were 100% cliche, but also 110% professional at their RnR craft. Goth hair, facials – eyes, lips & teeth, identikit fans, skull’n’crossbones motifs, bare-chested bassist (you know who), the most contrived stage monikers ever, lead guitar who needn’t have exerted himself beyond the crash riffs, lead chick (goth, natch, loved the leopard-skin handbag atop the Marshall, nice touch), almost-thirty-something, finger-less lace gloves, external corset & suspender-belt, simulated mike and stand sex, audience-participation-with-tongues, the works – married to the absolutely truly amazing drummer that is Tommy Gunn (one of those monikers). All four ex-Perth apparently, where I’m headed next. Add 5% humour and they could be …. As the pomme organiser said – you may not have won, but don’t take it too seriously and don’t ever stop what you’re doing.

It’s only rock and roll, but it’s vital.
It’s such a perfect day.
I’m glad I spent it with you.

Blogging Down Under

Anyway, as you can see … broadband connection in the Duxton Hotel in Melbourne, means blogging OK from Oz today …

Finished Searle’s “Mind” and started “Bennett & Hacker” on the plane – see coupla blogs ago. Early days – first principles from Aristotle – a bit too destructively analytic so far. Dualism goes away if we stop referring to brain or mind and simply say “people” – no, sorry, doesn’t do it for me, yet. Word games so far.

Don’t Blink Or You’ll Miss Jorn

Robot Wisdom has fresh posts 22nd Feb 2005 !!!

What prompted the return ? Hunter S Thomson’s demise ? International Blog Action Day ? This amazing space-pic of Central Park ? Who knows, but it’s the usual mix and sources. Welcome back Jorn – after more than a year off-line.

Actually, the clue must be in his first new link, to “Rigorous Intuition” … what must be the ultimate conspiracy theory blog – everything from state sponsored terrorism to JFK theories – all the more scary for being well written by Canadian Jeff Wells. Perspicuous Jorn calls it. Unlike cock-up, conspiracy requires competence, I find. Makes Michael Moore look tame. Great collection of links to other writers too, but you have been warned – go there at your peril.

(Notice several other blogs spotted Jorn’s reposting within minutes, took me a day to spot it, though I did stumble into it first hand, it has to be said.)

Amazon UK excels itself.

Just in time for a little light reading on the long flight Amazon UK delivered this morning two books I ordered only on Saturday morning – ordinary letter post delivery too.

Susan Blackmore’s “Consciousness – An Introduction”, plus Bennett & Hacker’s “Philosophical Foundations of Neuroscience”. The former from the author of “Meme Machine”, the latter got rave UK reviews – has an intriguing reversed title in the current climate of neuroscience claims for theories of consciousness – hope it’s not too heavy going.