syrinx

fellow reports over on this psychology blog that studies trying to replicate the message of the book "blink" - that we make better decisions if we don't think about them - have come up short in the "scientific process results are replicable and generalizable" department."
Take-away message: you might want to take notes and think about your decisions if they are important.

tags: science universe life blink replicability

...or contemplate life without BBC Magazine?

It's World Philosophy Day - an opportunity to contemplate one's very existence and whether computer monitors really exist, says David Bain

Here are some questions from the article (plus one from another article in the same edition of the magazine). All good conversation starters at your next party, I'll betcha!
1. SHOULD WE KILL HEALTHY PEOPLE FOR THEIR ORGANS?
2. ARE YOU THE SAME PERSON WHO STARTED READING THIS ARTICLE?
3. IS THAT REALLY A COMPUTER SCREEN IN FRONT OF YOU?
4. DID YOU REALLY CHOOSE TO READ THIS ARTICLE?
5. Why doesn't this woman have a belly button?

tags: of life reality day world meaning philosophy existence navel gazing

ooh, first time I've heard that one...

tags: of life meaning

Keep it simple; as simple as possible, but no simpler. - Albert Einstein.
In order to see birds its is necessary to become a part of the silence. - Robert Lynd.
Whenever we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe. - John Muir.
It is the customary fate of new truths to begin as heresies and to end as superstitions. - T.H. Huxley.
It is important to recognize the power of our emotions--and to take responsibility for them by creating a light and positive atmosphere around ourselves. This attitude of joy that we create helps alleviate states of hopelessness, loneliness, and despair. Our relationships with others thus naturally improve, and little by little the whole of society becomes more positive and balanced. - Tarthang Tulku.
Turn your mind away from things which are not permanent. - Buddha.
Reality alone exists - and that we are. All the rest is only a dream, a dream of the One Mind, which is our mind without the 'our'. Is it so hard to accept? Is it so difficult to assimilate and to live? - Why Lazurus Laughed by Wei Wu Wei.
In this world the wise one holds onto confidence and wisdom. Those are the greatest treasures; all other riches are pushed aside. - Buddha.

tags: life

mature subject matter but no inappropriate graphic content; pictures after the "read more" link. Well, there is a picture of an egg...

Almost all of these pictures were taken on the same day, certainly within the same week. The Gulf Fritillary loves the Passion Flower vine - which hasn't quite started blooming here, but the caterpillars don't care...

tags: butterflies life texas cycle gulf fritillary