fragments, 10/23/02

We, particles of sun,
encased, entrenched, entangled
in these casks of flesh,
we cosmic dust children,
blown like chaff in a stellar wind,

we cannot help but clamor,
to proclaim all that can sound;

we cannot help but ogle,
to perceive all that can be seen;

we are organic black boxes:
instruments that record,
bearing bare witness to all events
that come to be.

Emotional Contagion

Why It Is Hard To Keep A Straight Face

If you meet someone who looks angry or happy, it is often hard to remain expressionless yourself - and now scientists believe they know why.
Researchers in Sweden believe your unconscious mind exerts direct control of your facial muscles.

However much you struggle to keep a blank face, your brain may be letting you down.

It is well known that emotions can find their way into your facial expression, body language, and gestures, but researchers at Uppsala University are trying to work out to what extent we are in control of these movements.

[...] Even though study subjects were trying consciously to curb their natural reactions, the twitching in their muscles told a different story.

Dr Dimberg describes this as "emotional contagion".

fragments, 10/23/02

5:27 p.m.

Music is nonmaterial. That is why it can be an agent upon the spirit. Because they are equally immaterial.

5:58 p.m.

Laughter is its own reward.

The Undiscovered Self

C.G. Jung, The Undiscovered Self

"Consciousness is a precondition of being. Thus the psyche is endowed with the dignity of a cosmic principle, which philosophically and in fact gives it a position coequal with the principle of physical being." (pp. 46-47)

"The seat of faith, however, is not consciousness but spontaneous religious experience, which brings the individual's faith into immediate relation with God." (p. 88)

Game 5 of the World Series

Washburn, the pitcher for Anaheim, looks a lot like Kiefer Sutherland... crossed with a chipmunk.

Just callin' 'em as I see 'em.