Ξ November 15th, 2007 | → 2 Comments | ∇ Uncategorized |

Whilst I was recently wandering around Oxford – looking for an OWL connection [the Oxford Wireless something] I happened to hear someone talking about the obscene amount of money that the USA is going to spend on some system whereby they can protect their satellites from attack, and at the same time deliver thermonuclear destruction to any part of the world in just a few minutes … one suspects then that the USA’s proposed bomb-from-hell is ‘up there’ – simply awaiting a ‘go’ command?

But, do you know what – it’s not the thought of mass destruction hanging in the skies that ‘get’s me’ about this – it’s simply a matter of the money involved. I heard that we’re talking about over 200 billion POUNDS here.

Now, how many … homes, TVs, stereos, PDAs, laptops Olympic stadiums is that?

Or, given that many human beings’ lives hinge upon a vaccine that costs pennies, how many human souls is this technology negating?

Now don’t get me wrong – ‘security’ is what keeps *us* free – it really is … if it weren’t for dollars/pounds etc, we’d be goose-stepping around England I fear, and afraid – like so many folk in this world - to say what we feel is right.

But, what price freedom? I mean, couldn’t this staggering amount of money be better spent by the USA in feeding the world’s starving and to bring about a situation in which people cast-aside their differences – to truly set people free, so that they might realize their full potential?

However, is the world ‘able’ to have these nameless humans ‘consume’ as we – you – do? As you read this, you’re one of the very few ‘fortunates’! You’re most likely free to express your views – you’re probably well fed – and you’re probably going to be looked after by ‘the state’ – if it all goes tits-up in your life.

But how about – as no less a human being – your soul happened to find itself in squalor: in a different body?

The saving grace is quite likely to be that you don’t know any better.

And isn’t that rather sad?

How many ‘big brains’ [Einsteins/Feynmans] are out there – how many thoughts that appears to us as simply stunning have we lost – and, will do so?

Hairdressers and Finland

Ξ November 8th, 2007 | → 2 Comments | ∇ Mumble |

I walk 6 by 2 blocks to the conference here – only some of which have shops.  I pass 12 hairdressers, and notice more every time I seem to look for them.  Very odd!

Options

Ξ November 7th, 2007 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Philosophical, Relationships, Rhetorical, Women |

Take them as they happen – or pause for more [options/thoughts/opportunities]?

Travelling is Good

Ξ November 7th, 2007 | → 0 Comments | ∇ Loves, Mumble, Oxford, Research, Work |

So, here I am in Finland at an academic conference – one that I’m to present a keynote at [on which note my nerves need quelling somewhat!]

Finland is lovely – or it would be but for the fact that tonight there are parents here grieving for their children: cut down really before their lives had even started.  Understandably, it’s hard to enjoy myself.

I’m also awaiting some news as I write this … from a woman [she’s not answering] – the word, when/if it comes will at least [no doubt] set a course for me – never a bad thing.  Is it?

So, life goes on.

Finland is quite lovely, and full of bustle, which is surprising really – I mean, given the size of the country, and its population, there’s really no one here!

I’m in a place called Vaasa.  Beautiful buildings, the Finish language [or is it Swedish?], water, crisp air – and with cab drivers that regard a Harley Davidson as the ultimate motorcycle three so far]!  Ok, so I agree – although my other ultimate bike is a 999S Ducati.  All I need now is both of those [or either] and an opportunity to go touring with my one remaining brother.  BTW, I would add that it’s cold here – except that when I mentioned that to a native, I was told that it’s actually rather mild.  It’s zero degrees, but cold apparently starts at -35!  Yikes.

So, tomorrow I once again return to thoughts on thoughts – how is it that we, us humans, do what we do – either well, or as is often the case, not so well as others?  If I ever find out I’ll return to the comlab and do some more AI perhaps.