tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15338910993069802312024-03-13T14:55:08.236-03:00Antares CryptosEverything Is Subject To Change...Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-1809694272842698612017-12-29T20:47:00.000-03:002017-12-29T20:47:25.453-03:00Alpha male. Alpha femaleThe term alpha male and female was coined by Lorenz Conrad who studied the behavior of wolves in the 1960s. In wolves, he observed, the alphas protected their pack, were the only ones who mated and led hunts.<br />
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The term has been used in recent times to describe humans in leadership positions and those who are most financially successful. The obvious problem with this analogy is that humans are not wolves and have split from that evolutionary chain millions of years ago.<br />
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However the behavior we have witnessed in many self-proclaimed alphas is not how we expect alpha humans to behave but how one would expect scavengers at the bottom to behave. Let's not regress to what we have already evolved beyond.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-36920012223389369562016-11-11T21:41:00.001-03:002016-11-11T21:41:59.771-03:002016We remember our Vets so we do not forget. It appears that we have forgotten what we are supposed to remember them for. Coincidentally, the generation that warned us is dying out or considered too old to matter.<br />
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Through the vast reach of media the highly charged vitriol has affected all of us. That was the point. We all have friends and family that have been undeservedly shoved into the lowest category. Do not listen. Shut it off the way you would close a book that is a waste of time. Remember that the world has become a stage again.<br />
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There is a great line in a bad movie: What can you do with 3 billion dollars that you cannot do with one?<br />
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To be edited and revised...<br />
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<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-10770854715753973672016-06-25T15:37:00.001-03:002016-06-25T15:37:10.289-03:00Psychopolitics<br />
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<br />
A very long time ago, on a unique planet, (known to some as let's treat it like dirt), mammals took over the earth.<br />
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At least they thought they did. Or made others believe they owned what they did not. It is unclear when Orange Utans split off the tree of evolution. Then came the great regression to hairy times.<br />
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Sensitive creatures that they are, some can be spotted in their natural habitat wearing baseball caps as they attempt to mimic human behavior.<br />
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<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-51618385083642299202014-05-19T20:56:00.000-03:002014-05-19T20:56:04.218-03:00Parrot Conservation: The Kakapo<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9ZzG2rUK8RS_KIFIrNNU2AurPojZGkgZ4pB9lJMB411IhdDb3b6fd-35gWgmfaXK4DzL7teCACeQvr_F0kH3ehZ4vVuc9kCIC089jMvL8yi39OHzPhfCtvmZnJyjapVf39fEHgyRf8s/s1600/Kakapo+by+Shane+McInnes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF9ZzG2rUK8RS_KIFIrNNU2AurPojZGkgZ4pB9lJMB411IhdDb3b6fd-35gWgmfaXK4DzL7teCACeQvr_F0kH3ehZ4vVuc9kCIC089jMvL8yi39OHzPhfCtvmZnJyjapVf39fEHgyRf8s/s200/Kakapo+by+Shane+McInnes.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kakapo by Shane McInnes</td></tr>
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The Kakapo is what happens when there is no predation and nature gets creative. It is the world's only flightless and nocturnal parrot and found only in New Zealand. Unlike other parrots it can store fat, may have a natural longevity of 100 years and apparently smells like fruit.<br />
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When population control is left to nature, the intricacy is astonishing. The female lays only a few eggs and only when triggered by the production of large crops, the "mast year", of the rimu tree species. The solitary male then produces booming sounds and hikes for miles to find the equally solitary female.<br />
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Once estimated at over 200000, the Kakapo came close to extinction several decades ago, through the imported predation of cats and dogs. Conservation measures have been successful and the number has increased from 40 to over 100. Something this comical and special has to be kept alive.<br />
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Kakapos are also impossibly friendly:<br />
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<object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/9T1vfsHYiKY?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
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<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-44454656010751189352014-05-14T13:44:00.000-03:002014-05-14T13:44:10.254-03:00Utopia 101 Possible SolutionsWhat would a Utopian community look like?<br />
<br />
In great moments of human civilization we have already achieved advancements that have greatly improved lives. We have sanitation, vaccines to prevent disabling conditions, toilets and showers. We have saved species from extinction, created the internet and 3d printers and discovered planets that may one day be habitable. The list is of what we managed to create is long. If we could keep that type of momentum going and do not keep reverting to old habits, we could create the same for the majority of the population and deal with climate change, poverty, hunger etc.<br />
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If I had any power to move us forward the list might look something like this:<br />
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1. Support the younger generation again by rewarding those with novel and creative ideas with access to free education and retreats to communicate their ideas.<br />
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2. After the current building boom of "quick , dirty and unliveable", we need to start building better again. Deeper structures and better insulation that can withstand climate change.<br />
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3. Companies that do great work should be fostered and rewarded. Autonomy of their employees will likely see a return.<br />
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4. Better city planning would see a return to accessible shopping and self-reliance in case of emergency. The loss of electricity is likely in our future, we should have alternatives in place.<br />
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5. More individuality. Greater tolerance toward those who may be a little different, but just as valuable.<br />
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6. Taxes are important. So is governance. But for too long our earnings have been disappearing without reaching anyone, but those who need it the least. Completely new systems will have to be created. How this will be accomplished, I have no idea. A start might be coalition governments without career politicians at the table.<br />
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7. Transportation to deal with climate change and fuel economy. The combustion engine is almost as inefficient as it was 40 years ago. Magnets may provide one solution. Amphibian vehicles to deal with any flooding. (I am actually serious about this one). We are going to need them. Prototypes of flying cars are out there somewhere, but may create 3 dimensional traffic jams.<br />
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8. While we need to respect cultural differences, we also need to realize that we are one species, not "races" and that the basic wants and needs are almost universally the same.<br />
<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-20971613742396144292014-05-10T14:36:00.001-03:002014-05-10T14:36:13.368-03:00Utopia 101What would a utopian global community look like?<br />
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That is a question I have been asking myself my entire life. The complexity of such an answer would require a book length discourse and a planet size computer. Potentially, if the internet continues to evolve, we might have the latter.<br />
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One of the benefits of watching animals is to realize that we have been behaving as no more than "just another animal", despite our remarkable ability to envision, build and create.<br />
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As a species we are stuck in an endless continuum of immaturity-we build, we acquire, we destroy and abandon those around us. Money continues to be poured into wars and their expensive toys, greed rules many of us and we fight for territories, wealth and status. It is irrelevant whether those social structures are ruled by oligarchs or feudalists or whatever new name we apply to them, the outcome is the same; the majority suffers. In one form or another this has been the case throughout human history.<br />
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But. We could evolve. Create new systems, avail ourselves of technology to make our lives less complicated, prevent illness rather than treat it for decades, improve both the quality and quantity of our lives and so on.<br />
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One option would be to have a Google like approach to science and innovation. Private or public companies that would take care of the mundanities of life and allow the thinkers and creators to come up with solutions in a playful think tank type of environment on their own schedule.<br />
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This is the type of wishful thinking that has always existed, but it is in many ways the internet and social media that may be used to move us dreamers forward.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-46880987987245405072014-03-14T17:57:00.000-03:002014-03-14T17:57:18.434-03:00Avian Intelligence<br />
Thanks to a documentary, I learned that Ravens travel and live with extended family. It is strange to think that sitting in the branches above us are dark winged cousins, aunts and grandparents.<br />
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I watched behavior that is mostly incomprehensible. Twigs are selected, stripped with beak and talon <i>(I did not know they could do that),</i> and then discarded. It reminds me of woodworkers, who are not happy with their work.<br />
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On rooftops they hide food under shingles. Clever. They seem to prefer wealthier areas, possibly because the roofs are better maintained. They take rainshowers with joy. Sentinels sit on peaks and warn others of threats; or they could just be discussing the weather. Shift change involves preening of the one who is leaving. You don't see that in the human world.<br />
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I was surprised when I watched a lone raven prevent a significantly larger falcon from gaining altitude with a startling display of speed and maneuverability. It flew above the falcon, anticipating the falcon's moves, preventing it from getting sufficient lift for its larger wingspan.<br />
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They watch us. They watch me watch them. And they<b> think</b>. They are the true eyes in the sky. We search for intelligent life in other solar systems, but cannot communicate with the intelligent life around us.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-29219935363334791072014-03-08T15:55:00.000-02:002014-03-08T15:55:53.649-02:00I Blame Coffee For My Impertinence<br />
I was walking, enjoying the crisp winter air and a sinfully good latte, when a woman approached me eager to hand me a flyer. Usually, I shake my head politely and silently regret the waste of paper; but this time I was under the influence of COFFEE, so I stopped to listen.<br />
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In a very self assured tone she declared: "The final judgement is coming, the signs are here, the world is coming to an end."<br />
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*sip* <i>I had finally met one of those nice folks on the Internet. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>"When exactly is that going to happen," I asked.<br />
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"The date cannot be known, but very soon", she claimed.<br />
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"Within the next 60 years?"<br />
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"It is not known."<br />
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"Shouldn't we do something about it other than wait to be saved? End violence, poverty, greed and war..."<br />
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"We have been ruled by the devil for 6000 years. He is very powerful. He was put in charge of this world."<br />
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Hmmh. "If the devil is in charge then that would mean that this is actually HELL. How the frack did I end up here???!?"<br />
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I left while she deeply contemplated this novel concept. They do make great coffee in hell though.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-81819404501832220662014-03-04T22:11:00.000-02:002014-03-04T22:11:11.644-02:00International Women's Day<br />
March 8 is international women's day. A day that serves to remind society that women's day actually needs to exist.<br />
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I consider myself an equalist and I believe that a world governed by men and women in equal ratio would actually finally move society into a healthier era.<br />
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Here I do not refer to the women that have climbed the male dominated ladder. I am talking about highly capable individuals, who just happen to be female, but have a less ruthless or risk taking approach toward the environment and our common future.<br />
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That we as a species do not allow women to contribute their knowledge and experience to our global community is archaic. Empathy is valuable and women, whether due to nature, nurture or society are generally more empathic and may be able to envision better longterm solutions.<br />
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I would not want to live in a world solely led by women, anymore than I want to continue to experience one led by powerungry men. Maybe one day we will celebrate a good person's day, regardless of their gender.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-25681477460961046372014-02-23T22:39:00.000-02:002014-02-23T22:39:59.215-02:00The End Of Privacy. The Beginning Of Transparency. It is becoming abundantly clear that our personal privacy has come to an end. Not through the information we willingly share in social media, but in the information that is gathered about us. From our Web history to the GPS in our cars, targeted advertising, or searches; the list of our digital footprints is vast.<br />
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Nor is there any way to avoid using digital technology or do anything about the information gathered without our knowledge or consent. Big companies are simply too powerful to engage in privacy lawsuits. Applicable digital privacy laws are not in place and are unlikely to catch up to the development of digital technology, which surpasses our understanding of it.<br />
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Many are not aware that digital information is transmitted at 1/3 of the speed of light or that the stock market for example, is virtually out of the hands of humans; many trades occur through computer algorithms, also known as microtrading or high frequency trading.<br />
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Another significant problem is that much of our most sensitive information (medical, financial) entered about us is handled far beyond the comprehension and training of those put in charge to store and protect it. Especially problematic is when the information entered relies on verbal communication or is entered incorrectly, whether through human error or for unethical personal gain.<br />
<br />
The revelation about the NSA should not have come as a surprise to anyone. Technology is only as good or evil as the intent of those who use it. As it develops and we become increasingly globally connected, the speed of new technology advances faster than anyone can keep up with.<br />
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I do not foresee a Borg-like totalitarian system of control that so many are frightened of, but a more transparent future in the digital age. Ideally, NSA like watchdogs will develop that will actually benefit the majority and monitor verbal and digital communication to help prevent crimes against humanity.<br />
<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-51583145460725398842014-02-23T11:53:00.000-02:002014-02-23T11:53:06.508-02:00OverheardIt was two months before Christmas and the world was caught in the frenzy of consumerism, so I decided to visit the aquarium to watch and sketch some silent fishies.<br />
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A tank, obviously inspired by Finding Nemo, exhibited tiny starfish adhered to the glass. I was mesmerised by their miniature perfection and stepped closer to have a better look. <br />
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Two women were standing next to me, when one remarked to the other: "Will you look at that; they're decorating already!"Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-1807089489630803722014-02-19T21:42:00.001-02:002014-02-19T21:42:41.279-02:00"Meteor Strikes Earth"<br />
The apocalyptics are worried about large asteroids striking the earth, which currently we cannot do a thing about.<br />
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Bunkers will be absolutely useless. The only difference between those on the surface and those in bunkers if something very large were to impact earth?<br />
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None.<br />
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Impact. Extreme heat. Vaporized. In less time than we can imagine.<br />
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Hope this satisfactorily answers any search terms.<br />
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For more information:<br />
<a href="http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroidwatch">www.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroidwatch</a><br />
<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-15246316918649482002014-02-12T16:48:00.000-02:002014-02-12T16:48:44.841-02:00Escape Velocity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQx_snSHnvR2xNK62a56z1WCzEk-ABt_ORgtmuwMC7vFNYgf48yIg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQx_snSHnvR2xNK62a56z1WCzEk-ABt_ORgtmuwMC7vFNYgf48yIg" /></a></div>
<br />
I have chosen to take some time off to travel and to research and discuss potential solutions for what we are facing. Within a decade we are entering a global crisis, which if not immediately addressed will lead to a situation that humanity is unlikely to recover from. Unpredictable weather patterns and weather fluctuations will affect even major modern cities, which have no technology in place to deal with climate change.<br />
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Lack of transportation, unhygienic conditions and resulting illness will make all of us suffer. Even the very wealthy will not be immune to pandemics; viruses and bacteria do not discriminate. In fact, if mankind turns itself into a self-created endangered species, the very poor are the most likely to survive. While this may sound harsh, their immune systems are better equipped to deal with a potential post-civilized world and are already used to using grocery carts as an environmentally friendly mode of transporting their belongings.<br />
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Scientists are desperate to talk to each other, come up with new ideas and research for science and humanity´s sake, but are prevented from doing so by international patent and non-disclosure agreements. The primary and immediate solution is to start funding research into new technology without an immediate financial benefit. Like bankers and investors, scientists themselves need to create networks to freely exchange thoughts and ideas across geographic and disciplinary boundaries.<br />
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If there was any colonized or terraformed planet available I would move, but I am stuck on this beloved pale blue dot and cannot climb into a comfy spaceship to reach the escape velocity required to overcome the gravitational pull of mankind´s irresponsibility and self-destruction.<br />
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We are facing a sisyphean struggle, but at least I hope to count myself among those who tried to make this world a more livable place.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-86702925110698216362013-10-20T21:43:00.001-02:002013-10-20T21:43:49.064-02:00Snake Oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTe8B2Daeh7feB3XVJZ31OZFp-E9tZACvz_ai1KSk6ux_rwdVghBQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTe8B2Daeh7feB3XVJZ31OZFp-E9tZACvz_ai1KSk6ux_rwdVghBQ" /></a></div>
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<br />
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<br />
Back in the day, merchants used to set up their carts and peddle the cure all that cures all ailments. This practice has not stopped. Add scientific language to it and the following sounds both healthy and delectable:<br />
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Buy Copernicum. Known to aid with everything, particularly popsiculitis. From the makers of BS Inc.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-828345252657441762013-10-13T16:08:00.001-02:002013-10-13T16:08:45.079-02:00Predeterminism?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsB36mg_Uux510nrtJAb0wMiiJr7sp3dioVtpp0KEIS8ArnlLHWw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTsB36mg_Uux510nrtJAb0wMiiJr7sp3dioVtpp0KEIS8ArnlLHWw" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Using defensive pessimism to harness anxiety and perform at your peak"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
There is a book for everyone and everything.<br />
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Whether one has a positive or a negative outlook on life; does it make a difference?<br />
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<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-8640545084165178052013-10-05T19:54:00.000-03:002013-10-05T19:54:45.126-03:00Nice Guys Finish Last?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1icBc05kPs9d7a-oNUpgZc7KMBABl6EV3r3Sn7W3BG_YeoTL1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT1icBc05kPs9d7a-oNUpgZc7KMBABl6EV3r3Sn7W3BG_YeoTL1" width="200" /> </a></div>
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There are those of us (and I suspect that we are not in the minority), who cannot abide pain and suffering nor would we ever volitionally be the the cause of it. Those of us, who offer help beyond kind words when we watch someone who appears helpless and requires support.<br />
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Darwin's theory in the popularized approach is perpetually misinterpreted. Survival of the fittest by his meaning and revolutionary definition is not as is commonly and mistakenly believed survival of the strongest fastest and most vicious. It is the survival of those who pass on their genes to the greatest number of progeny. Unlike insects, reptiles or amphibians, we do not pass on our genes to thousands of offspring.<br />
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Survival of the fittest in the human context <b>ought</b> to apply to communities as a whole. We have however, twisted our humanity into producing cruel and greedy psychopaths, who revel in the pain and suffering of those around them, even those who they are genetically related to. They do not destroy with sharp tools, but with greed and indifference, exploiting those of us who cannot and will not change their nature; those of us to whom integrity, compassion and empathy offers more value than the causation of poverty, pain and suffering.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-1678457093628853792013-09-29T23:56:00.001-03:002013-09-29T23:56:45.494-03:00When A Tree Falls In The Forest...<br />
<br />
I have been thinking about a career change and doing more science writing. The question I have for my fellowers; would there be any interest in a science blog and if so would anyone be willing to subscribe to it?<br />
<br />
We all spend countless hours writing for free and because it is fun, but it would be wonderful to be paid for our efforts.<br />
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What do you think?Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-71971659759260286542013-09-11T12:20:00.000-03:002013-09-11T12:20:19.279-03:00About A BrotherIn a life imitates art scenario, but without the cliche of good guys always win, one discovers that a brother has been feeding me nothing but lies and appears to be struggling for his position in organized crime.<br />
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Now what?Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-43481558257843894232013-08-01T23:37:00.002-03:002013-08-01T23:37:25.938-03:00Notes From The OutbackRednecks are really nice people. With fewer teeth.<br />
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Rural stores are stocked with unhealthy carbs. Somehow counter-intuitive.<br />
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One diner, one road and one street sign = small town.<br />
One diner, one road and one traffic light = technologically advanced small town<br />
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Discovered new dragonfly species. Has painted wings. Sketched it. Very excited.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRADTZRp675fzsVcbI69vVDnGhhYicIJrIpWg_bgaXn1kszkK6Kzg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRADTZRp675fzsVcbI69vVDnGhhYicIJrIpWg_bgaXn1kszkK6Kzg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing Libella Pulchella</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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Nope. Not new species. 12 spotted skimmer dragonfly. Very common.<br />
<br />
Mosquitoes are the size of helicopters. Everything bites. Even the shiny iridescent beetle I found. All Fauna is carnivorous, rude and undomesticated. Itchy. Best way to sketch is to pin them. What?! They started it. <br />
<br />
Soybeans. Corn. Something edible. Manure. Manure for miles. How do people live on farms with this smell all day?<br />
<br />
"Yaoall farm the cidah?"<br />
"What?"<br />
"Yaoall foam da ciiiidah?"<br />
"Uum, yes? That is an interesting accent, where are you from?"<br />
"Local, born and raised."<br />
<br />
"Do you have the paper?"<br />
"I don't read much." <br />
<br />
Home: 20 brands of sunscreen. Organic fruit. Massaging shower. Soap. Non-abrasive TP. Air conditioner. Restaurants. The things we take for granted or hopelessly urbanized.<br />
<br />
Retire in cozy wood cabin in the woods with vegetable garden no longer on bucket list.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-55284708492494194882013-06-08T05:12:00.001-03:002013-06-08T05:12:46.855-03:00Science: 400 ppm And I Blame Star Trek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxZbpLHNroIbFE63iqK9E9wHZGM41bBiFqeagBthQxXhgcAjBjJQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQxZbpLHNroIbFE63iqK9E9wHZGM41bBiFqeagBthQxXhgcAjBjJQ" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By Justin Bilicki</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Could you kindly rephrase that in equivocal, inaccurate, vague, self-serving and roundabout terms that we can all understand?"<br />
<br />
Certainly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Science, Technology, Creation and Innovation are our future. I learned that watching Star Trek. Science will let us live longer and eventually better. Science will help us cope with inevitable climate chaos ("change" is for wimps).<br />
<br />
If those in power and of influence fund it. Power. I have spent too much time with those that suffer from the illusion of power. I knew that when I joined a global cause a few years ago that we were fighting a losing battle. Groups of us have formed across fields and continents, desperate to share our knowledge with each other.<br />
<br />
Fellow geeks who share with child-like abandon. <i>Look what I found! Cool, it's a rock. I found a tadpole. Hey, look at this everyone, the sun is doing something neat right now. Whooooaaa.</i><br />
<br />
Oligopolies do not share with the other children.<i> </i><br />
<br />
We presented. Talked. TED talked. Presentations. Travel. Meetings. Talking. With people who do not understand a single concept<i> </i>and believe that accelerating graphs of over <a href="http://climate.nasa.gov/news/916">300 ppm</a> mean that the economy is doing well. During one particularly bored meeting and chronic interruptions by mobile technology, I walked out in the middle of my own presentation. Futile.<br />
<br />
I went on hikes, cleared my head and decided that this was not worth my time. It felt right. There was no point explaining to anyone that the earth will be fine, new species will replace us. Nature reclaims.<br />
<br />
I watched movies with HQ and the kittehs. Tried to read or paint. Tuned
out the floods and the suffering that will follow. Tried to play video games. Thought about video games.<br />
<br />
Then 400 ppm came. <a href="http://climate.nasa.gov/400ppmquotes/">Still there</a>. Faster than anyone calculated.<br />
<br />
Thought about Homo Sapiens and Star Trek and Inception.<br />
<br />
We have been treading water, time to learn how to swim again.<br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-88842657827427123272013-05-10T21:43:00.001-03:002013-05-10T21:43:29.172-03:00Things To Do When Life Makes You Cranky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR74l6GhqkwoJ2fpiWx7nrzaON-KmrtSZ5x9W3elPVoqFn9f6e0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR74l6GhqkwoJ2fpiWx7nrzaON-KmrtSZ5x9W3elPVoqFn9f6e0" /></a></div>
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<br />
1. Read good quotes:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
All mankind is divided into three classes: those who are immovable, those that are moveable and those that move. (Benjamin Franklin)<br />
<br />
Put 100 clever people into a group; they lose their intelligence. (Carl Jung)<br />
<br />
Most people would rather die than think.<br />
In fact they do. (Bertrand Russell) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Watch TED talks.<br />
3. Get distracted by the sidebar and watch <a href="http://youtu.be/mAp6X0zZfx0">Einstein, the parrot</a>.<br />
4. Somehow discover that the Mantis Shrimp is your new favorite animal. In a moment of synchronicity, <a href="http://theoatmeal.com/comics/mantis_shrimp">The Oatmeal</a> thought so too.<br />
5. Go hiking to clear thoughts. <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/easing-brain-fatigue-with-a-walk-in-the-park/">Scientific evidence</a> of what you already knew. Read blogs and discover a natural place called <a href="http://thinkstew-dbs.blogspot.ca/2013/05/it-is.html">Flin Flon</a>.<br />
6. Look at or make art.<br />
7. Write lists.<br />
8. Say yes to people in a real crisis. Say no to people who are not.<br />
9. Read The Peter Principle for amusement.<br />
10. Realize that there is a theme here.</div>
<br />Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-80661750198491311952013-05-07T18:23:00.001-03:002013-05-07T18:29:50.244-03:00Outsourced<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHfDCcAi1YVd3NehdfqromjlD1xxksaENIjNTwXv7QWNEZoqNBLw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHfDCcAi1YVd3NehdfqromjlD1xxksaENIjNTwXv7QWNEZoqNBLw" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Just as I thought I was <a href="http://antarescryptos.blogspot.ca/2013/01/reverse-prank-calling.html">"winning"</a>, they keep calling me back...<br />
<br />
Local time: 9:30 pm<br />
<br />
"Jennifer": May I speak to Racnaroth Cryptopeles?<br />
Me: Who?<br />
Jennifer: *giggles* Am I pronouncing that correctly?<br />
Me: Sure, if you're looking for Racnaroth Cryptopeles.<br />
Jennifer: We need a moderate payment of 1.50.<br />
Me: If I pay a "moderate" one dollar fifty you'll stop calling me?<br />
Jennifer: *GIGGLES HYSTERICALLY* Noooooooooou!!! A payment of $150 is needed.<br />
Me: You realize that I cancelled your services 3 months ago?<br />
Jennifer: *typing*<br />
Me: Where are you calling from?<br />
Jennifer: St. Louis, Ohio.<br />
Me: They moved St. Louis to Ohio? No wonder...<br />
Jennifer: *click*<br />
<br />
Sigh.Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-76508496169406421652013-04-23T21:45:00.000-03:002013-04-23T21:45:26.918-03:00ElevatorI am known to wander. I have been accused of wandering in the wrong direction with such confidence that people feel obligated to follow my lead, only to be disappointed that I do not know where I am going either.<br />
<br />
I found myself wandering in a high tech building looking for the stairs to exit it. The universal symbol for stairs did not appear to exist. I was thus obligated to seek out one of many confounding elevators, which serviced certain floors but not the one I needed. Finding the right elevator should not be this puzzling in a place where most of its inhabitants appeared as confused as I was. Finally, I found a set of respectable looking elevators, waited and was confronted by doors opening only to display that they were at their full capacity.<br />
<br />
Tired and impatient, I looked around me and saw one elevator awaiting me with open doors. I quickly stepped in, the doors closed immediately before I had time to notice that it looked somewhat industrial. I pressed "M" and the elevator with me as its lone occupant began to move up instead of down.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAtmY088wMqqMRbNomAEG8du7lbj9t-mVh5zEO_HEo89ZnDSySiA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAtmY088wMqqMRbNomAEG8du7lbj9t-mVh5zEO_HEo89ZnDSySiA" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I pressed a few useless numbered buttons, next to a card swipe, to prevent it from arriving at the top executive floor. To no avail. The broken elevator was on an ear-popping mission to reach its heavenly destination with me in it.<br />
<br />
Top floor. The doors opened wide as did my eyes. It was windy. I was looking at a copter, blades still rotating. Several individuals were running toward me with their cargo. They belonged in this elevator. I clearly did not. I wished I was dreaming or watching a movie. Neither applied.<br />
<br />
They were as surprised to see a lone individual in their elevator as I was desperate to be anywhere but in it. I briefly weighed my options:<br />
<br />
<i>I am a moron and walked into the wrong elevator. </i>Too honest.<br />
<i>Quality Control. Excellent work, gentlemen. </i>Not credible.<br />
<i>Bond, James Bond...</i>Too cuckoo's nest.<br />
<br />
In the end, I opted for <i>silent VIP in suit</i>, pretending that this is <b>exactly</b> where I am supposed to be at this precise moment in time. They were preoccupied and did not ask questions. I offered no explanation.<br />
<br />
I waited until they exited at their floor, before I stepped out. I looked back at the elevator.<br />
Instead of call buttons there was a big red sign: FOR STAFF ONLY! TO HELIPAD.<br />
<br />
I walked out of this adventure as quickly as I could. Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-42434420223628349472013-04-13T00:08:00.000-03:002013-04-13T00:08:53.597-03:00The Entropy of Life<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtbqql7DWRn4fCqB4rFoq7MI-uoCnL4ns1VZAYCfIN3TXP5vE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtbqql7DWRn4fCqB4rFoq7MI-uoCnL4ns1VZAYCfIN3TXP5vE" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wistman's Woods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
An annual ritual is to go for a long hike in the woods as soon as spring has confirmed its reappearance for more than 2 days. After just a brief time, the bad things that happen to good people and the good things that happen to bad people seemed irrelevant.<br />
<br />
I was watching a Labrador excitedly chasing whatever he was chasing in a shallow river, true to his breed. I smiled as he found a branch<i>. Too big.</i> Another branch. <i>Gotta show master.</i><br />
<br />
I relaxed into the soothing tapping of raindrops. Admired the tenacity of life. Listened to birds communicating. Serenity.<br />
<br />
I watched as birds hopped on the ground singing to each other and saw them pull earthworms from the wet ground to feed and nurture future generations of feathered singers.<br />
<br />
Then I imagined what that experience must be like for the worm.<br />
<br />
Totally. Ruined. The. Moment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1533891099306980231.post-40978142500911088302013-03-02T18:05:00.000-02:002013-03-02T18:05:02.386-02:00A Box Can Save Your Sanity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4wic5Qg2I1qiyakpo1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4wic5Qg2I1qiyakpo1_1280.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4wic5Qg2I1qiyakpo1_1280.png">Source</a></td></tr>
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<br />
On occasion, I catch horrifying mistakes in draft:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The measurements of Dr. Doh may have unintended inaccuracies,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as he claims that: "lkkdidimm, f^%$#.. asssssssspft". The parameters</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
nnnnnnnolllllllllll5677777 do not apply in this particular case.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lucky overestimates his trajectory and lands on keyboards. Flirt naps on warm hard drives, keyboards and evacuated office chairs. Unlike dogs, cats do not listen to basic commands such as "STAY OFF THE DESK! I MEAN IT!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In a delayed moment of problem solving, I remember that cardboard boxes are like magnets for cats. There is a palpable excitement among the felines when a new box arrives. If there is a box, there is a cat in it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Added to my desk: One box. With occupants.</div>
Antares Cryptoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12197876328401157462noreply@blogger.com12