The crazy Marathon Monks defy physiological science. Among their grueling regimen of double marathons a day, flip-flop runs around mountains, and sitting in front a blazing fire for days on end, they also manage to stay alive for a seven-and-a-half day water and food fast while sitting perfectly still and erect…and awake. I don’t even… Continue reading The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei
Tag: Science
Ed Gein
I took a morning stroll through man’s disturbing past and read some articles about Ed Gein recently. If you’re planning on reading through this man’s history, you should probably do so a little later in the day. Gein is the man who inspired such characters as Buffalo Bill (Silence of the Lambs), Texas Chainsaw Massacre,… Continue reading Ed Gein
Metaphysiology: My Word, not Theirs
I thought I invented the word metaphysiology just now. Meta- being the state of something being in an advanced or super state, physique/physical representing the anatomy, and finally -ology being the study of. Together that gives you the “scientific study of superhuman qualities or powers.” Alas, the New Age folks have already taken the word… Continue reading Metaphysiology: My Word, not Theirs
Dragon*Con 2006: Day 2
Saturday morning marked two firsts for us. One was that we were in Atlanta for DragonCon early enough to actually see the parade. The second was that we were actually in the parade! Not only that, we were part of the debut of drumming and dancing in the parade’s attendance. We got up at 7:00am… Continue reading Dragon*Con 2006: Day 2
Federal Bureau of Inefficiency
A romantic notion in the recesses of my mind really loves the F.B.I., C.I.A., and the like. I like spy novels. I like James Bond. I like super heroes fighting super villans. However, the real world of federal investigative services is far different than the portrayal delivered through metaphor and myth. I read today in… Continue reading Federal Bureau of Inefficiency
Prophylactic Conscience
I’ve been married nearly 10 years now and I still have a slight problem with buying condoms. I’m embarrassed, generally because of my selection process. I should go over all the products and analyze their characteristics, weighing in their cost. I should do this, because that is what I do with everything else I buy.… Continue reading Prophylactic Conscience
Kibble – Day 1
Isi and I started today with kibbles this morning at 8:30am, following a good workout to start the work-week out. The most obvious challenge at the moment is how to meter the food properly. 5-6 cups of dry dog food is quite a lot now that I’m ingesting it. It also requires considerable water. I… Continue reading Kibble – Day 1
BODIES, The Exhibition (Atlanta)
Tomorrow evening we’re heading out to BODIES, The Exhibition at the Atlanta Civic Center. I only just heard about it from the co-workers Friday, but it really sounded like something right up my alley. It’s being marketed as an artistic presentation of human anatomy. The models are made from human cadavers, and then preserved using… Continue reading BODIES, The Exhibition (Atlanta)
Evil in Nature
The Ampulex compressa, a wasp with a nasty hunting habit, has a particularly devious plan in store for cockroaches. I’m not fond of roaches either, but I’ve never thought to conduct bizarre Frankenstein experiments with them. I’ve read at Boing Boing and The Loom at Corante now about the fascinating insect. The female wasp seeks… Continue reading Evil in Nature
Martian Lake Discoverd: Record Pike Bagged
A nice-sized lake was found on Mars nestled within a 22-mile impact crater. It’s potentially substantial evidence that the sub-surface water on Mars is emitted following a meteor impact. The water is thought to be released and then frozen or evaporated within a short amount of time. This patch exists year-round, despite the fact that… Continue reading Martian Lake Discoverd: Record Pike Bagged