While Time Traveling to the Victorian Age: The Infectious Baby

 Hello All:

Happy Monday!

On Sunday's post I mentioned a new labeling or classification of my various writings that are centered on a theme or topic. I have a few of them and introduced Channel 0 on Sunday.

Today I introduce a series of short stories that I call Adjacent Channel. These are often peculiar stories that are written in second person narrative. We'll have plenty of these available for your reading pleasure.

While Time Traveling to the Victorian Age: The Infectious Baby

In one of your time travels you arrived in the year 1850 and found yourself to be a doctor in a Victorian hospital. You had just been called to the bedside of a newborn baby with a strange rash. The baby is a boy.

The rash was all over the baby's body, and it is an indicator of a serious infectious disease. You also knew that if the baby had any physical contact with another person, that person would also catch the disease. 

The rare disease, you understood, had been caused by a virus which is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. There was no cure for the disease, but there were treatments that could help manage the symptoms.

You approached the cradle where the baby lay. The baby cried, and his skin was hot to the touch. You could also see that the rash was starting to blister.

In the back of your mind you knew that you needed to get the baby away from you, but you also knew that it was your duty to help him. So you gently picked up the baby and carried it to the window.

You opened the window and let the fresh air in which seemed to calm the baby down a little, despite the fact that the rash continued to blister and spread.

You returned to the cradle, and laid the baby down as he appeared to be falling asleep.

Upon returning to the window, you pondered on what your course of action should be. You knew that you needed to do something, but didn't know what. After all, you weren’t really a doctor, just suddenly in this role after traveling back into time.

Perhaps there was one or more fellow doctors in the hospital who might have some answers. 

You were about to turn for the door and head out into the main hospital area to request assistance. But then you saw something that caused your blood to run cold.

The baby pulled itself out of the cradle and dragged himself across the floor while heading straight towards you! You were aware that if the baby touches you, you would get the disease, so you tried to run away. But the baby was too fast. You were not aware that the disease actually made the baby stronger and he was attempting to rejoin with whoever the perceived mother was. Then, suddenly he closed his eyes and fell asleep on the floor.

A few minutes later, a nurse entered the room, looked at the baby and then you. "What happened?" she asked.

You told her about the rash and how the baby had pulled itself out of the cradle.

The nurse looked at the baby and then at you. "I don't know what to say. This is the strangest thing I've ever seen."

“I don't know what to say either. I am still trying to process what just happened.”

The nurse took the baby and left the room, left you alone still trying to figure out what just happened.

That’s when you returned to the present.

It was the strangest and most disturbing session of time travel for you.

The End!

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Days of Creation

Hello All:

In the few years that the blog was shut down, I did continue to write and developed some new collections or categories of writings that I call memoirs. Like all memoirs, these are centered on a particular topic, theme, or just seem to fit together. 

Channel 0 is one such collection of writings that I want to start releasing on Sundays. These are spiritual writings that are centered on God, Christianity and how we apply our higher aspirations to daily life. I label these writings as Channel 0 because they originate from the most important and fundamental purpose of our life along with the most important things that we learn on Sunday. You can think of Sunday as Channel 0, returning to and reconnecting with God—kind of like zeroing and re-calibrating ourselves. 

As for my other categories of memoirs, I will begin releasing them in upcoming weeks.

The Days of Creation

The days of creation are a well-known and documented in the Bible. But what do they really mean? In this article, we will explore each day of creation in more detail, and discuss what they can teach us about God and his creation.

Day 1: Light

On the first day of creation, God created light. This light was not just the physical light that we see today, but also the spiritual light that gives us understanding and hope. God's light is a powerful force that can overcome even the darkest of darkness.

Day 2: Sky / Atmosphere

On the second day of creation, God created the sky and the atmosphere, the atmosphere being the vital layer of gas that surrounds the Earth with the solid, infinite sky overhead. These two elements are essential for life on Earth, as they provide us with air to breathe and a place to live.

Day 3: Dry Land, Oceans, Trees/Plants

On the third day of creation, God created and separated dry land from the ocean. He also created the trees and numerous plants. This was a major step in the creation of life on Earth, as it provided a place for plants to grow and animals to live. The plants that God created were also essential for providing us with food and oxygen.

Day 4: Sun, Moon and Stars

On the fourth day of creation, God created the sun, moon, and stars. These celestial bodies provide us with light, heat, and seasons. The sun is also essential for plant life, as it provides them with the energy they need to grow.

Day 5: Birds & Sea Creatures

On the fifth day of creation, God created birds and ocean creatures. These animals were created to fill the sky and the ocean. The birds give us beautiful songs to hear. Some birds and fish are also essential for the food chain, as they provide food for other animals and humans.

Day 6: Animals on Land and Humans

On the sixth day of creation, God created the animals that live on land and humans. Animals were created to fill the Earth. Humans were created in God's image, and we are called to care for his creation. Man is given dominion over all the animals and all of the Earth. 

Day 7: Day of Rest

On the seventh day of creation, God rested. This is a reminder that we should also take time to rest and to enjoy God's creation. The Sabbath is a day of worship and of fellowship with God.

The days of creation are a beautiful reminder of God's creative power. They teach us that God is a God of order and of beauty. They also teach us that we are called to care for his creation. 

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

The Polynomial Contest

Hello All:

We have another Polynomial short story to share. This is actually a good story for me because it kind of resonates with yesterday at work. Today and much of this week was stressful and frustrating for me because of the issues that I was coping with. But, the lesson to be learned into today's featured writing is to simply relax and enjoy. That's when we realize success.

The Polynomial Contest

Once upon a time, there was a polynomial named P. P was a very happy polynomial, and he loved to play with his friends, the other polynomials. One day, P was playing with his friends when they decided to have a contest. The contest was to see who could factor the most polynomials.

P was very excited about the contest, and he studied hard so that he would be able to factor all of the polynomials. The day of the contest arrived, and P was ready. He factored all of the polynomials in the contest, and he won!

P was very happy, and he celebrated his victory with his friends. He learned that if he studied hard and practiced, he could do anything he set his mind to.

The next day, P was feeling very confident. He decided to try to factor a polynomial that was much harder than the ones he had factored in the contest. P worked on the polynomial for hours, but he couldn't figure out how to factor it.

P was starting to get frustrated. He didn't understand why he couldn't factor the polynomial. He had studied hard, and he had practiced, but he still couldn't do it.

P decided to take a break from the polynomial. He went for a walk to clear his head. As he was walking, he saw a flower. The flower was beautiful, and it reminded P of the reason why he loved mathematics. He loved mathematics because it was creative and beautiful.

P realized that he had been trying too hard to factor the polynomial. He had been so focused on winning that he had forgotten to enjoy the process. P decided to go back to the polynomial and try again, but this time he would focus on enjoying the process.

P worked on the polynomial for a few more hours, but this time he didn't get frustrated. He was enjoying the process of trying to figure out how to factor the polynomial.

Finally, after hours of work, P figured out how to factor the polynomial. He was so happy that he had finally figured it out. He learned that if he enjoyed the process, he would be more likely to succeed. 

The End!

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Polynomial

 Hello All:

Think mathematics isn't important? Well what would you do if a polynomial knocked on your door one afternoon? Would you know how to handle the situation?

Well, you should try to be polite and answer its questions. You should also try to learn more about polynomials and how they work. 

It's important to be curious about the world around us, and mathematics is a great way to learn more about the universe.

Polynomial

"I think this is an important story to tell about the importance of being open to new experiences and meeting new people." --Bard

It was a quiet afternoon in the suburbs. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and there was not a cloud in the sky. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

I opened the door to find a polynomial standing there. It was a strange sight, but I tried to be polite.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"I'm looking for a place to stay," the polynomial said. "I'm new in town, and I don't know anyone."

I hesitated. I didn't know if I wanted a polynomial living with me. But I also didn't want to be rude.

"Well, you're in luck," I said. "I have a spare bedroom. You're welcome to stay here as long as you need to."

The polynomial smiled. "Thank you so much," it said. "I really appreciate it."

The polynomial moved into my spare bedroom, and I quickly learned that it was a very intelligent and kind creature. It told me all about its home planet, which was a beautiful place full of math and science.

I learned a lot from the polynomial, and I'm glad that I took the chance to let it stay with me. It was a great experience, and I'm grateful for the friendship that we developed.

One day, the polynomial came to me and said, "I have to go back to my home planet now. My people need me."

I was sad to see it go, but I knew that it had to go back to its own people.

"I'll miss you," I said.

"I'll miss you too," the polynomial said. "But I'll never forget you. You've been a great friend."

The polynomial then disappeared in a flash of light. I never saw it again, but I'll never forget it.

The end.

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Through the Murkiest of Waters

Hello All:

It been one of those rainy mornings in March. Already going on two hours at work, I hadn't made much progress. It was as-if I were swimming my way through murky water and getting nowhere fast.
"All I need to do is relax and keep working. I'll make it through the murkiest of waters."
Then I asked Google's AI engine, Bard, what it thought about the murkiest of waters and got more than I bargained for! Bard actually created an inspirational poem about it! And that's today's featured writing.

Through the Murkiest of Waters

"I've been thinking about the lotus a lot lately, and I wanted to share my thoughts on it..." --Bard

Through the murkiest of waters,

The lotus grows and blooms.

It rises above the mud,

Unsoiled by the filth.

The lotus is a symbol of hope,

Of new beginnings.

It reminds us that even in the darkest of times,

There is always light.

We can all learn from the lotus,

And grow from our experiences.

We can rise above our troubles,

And bloom into something beautiful

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Marble in Lava

 Marble in Lava

You are watching a video made by the late Dr. Carl Sagan in which a micro camera is successfully encased in a glass marble. Such a fascinating idea, it could be used for a variety of purposes:

• Spying on people.

• Recording secret conversations.

• Taking pictures of things that are difficult to see with the naked eye.

There are certainly some ethical concerns about using this technology. For example, it could be used to spy on people without their consent. It could also be used to record secret conversations which could damage relationships.

Oh, but this micro camera inside a glass marble is used for none of these. The camera records from inside the rolling marble as it rolls its way down a long chute and into a pool of molten lava! For a few seconds upon impact, you are able to continue observing video until the marble melts and no longer protects the video camera.

You think of how horrible this is! And by the looks of the comments and likes/dislikes, some people are amazed by the footage, while others are equally horrified as you. The video raises questions about the ethics of filming death and destruction.

Poor marble! :-( It was just minding its own business, rolling down a chute, when it was suddenly plunged into molten lava. It must have been a very painful death.

You can see why some people would be amazed by the footage, though. It's not every day that you see a glass marble melt into molten lava. But is it okay to film someone dying, even if they're not a person? Is it okay to film something that is causing someone pain? These are tough questions, and there is no easy answer. But it's important to think about them, and to have a discussion about them.

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Holidays in March

 Hello All:

I recently realized we have a few holidays in the middle of March that we shouldn't forget!

Holidays in March

Yes, March is a busy month with a lot of holidays. Here is a list of these holidays that fall in March:

    Pi Day (March 14): Pi Day is a day to celebrate the mathematical constant π. Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, and it is approximately equal to 3.14. Pi Day is celebrated with pie-eating contests, math competitions, and other fun activities.
    The Ides of March (March 15): The Ides of March is a day that is traditionally considered to be unlucky. It is the day that Julius Caesar was assassinated.
    St. Patrick's Day (March 17): St. Patrick's Day is a holiday that celebrates the life of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is celebrated with parades, green beer, and other Irish-themed festivities.
    First Day of Spring (March 20): The first day of spring is a day that marks the beginning of the spring season. It is a time of renewal and new beginnings.

I hope you have a chance to celebrate all of these holidays!

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Tribute to the Moody Blues

  Hello All:

Tonight I cracked open a bottle of Apothic Dark wine and settled down to listen to Spotify. For some reason I felt like listening to "slide zone" from the Moody Blues which eventually turned into listening to a few more songs on their Threshold of a Dream album.

Tribute to the Moody Blues

The Moody Blues were a truly innovative band, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music. They were never afraid to experiment. Their use of technology was particularly groundbreaking, and they were one of the first bands to use synthesizers in their music. In the 60s they had a vision of combining rock music with orchestra which proved to be succeeded. But they did more than just combine orchestra with rock. They used special effects such as what I call the orchestral Doppler red shift in their song, “have you heard” off Threshold of a Dream.

Their opening soliloquy on Threshold of a Dream served as a warning about the dangers of technology, and how it can be used to control us. It's a message still relevant today as we continue to grapple with the effects of technology on our lives.

Let's not forget the way The Moody Blues adapted to the electro-pop sound of the 80s which, despite the way their music changed, they remained true to their original style and format of music.

The Moody Blues finally called it quits in 2018 which is remarkable considering that their recordings go all the way back to 1960. The leader singer died a year later. They were a truly unique band, and they will be missed. Their music will continue to inspire and uplift people for generations to come.

A Dream About the Moody Blues

12-31-2018 : Dream remembered from overnight: It was learned that one of the members of The Moody Blues was some kind of a cult leader back in the sixties that focused on spiritual enlightenment that may have utilized LSD. I suggested to someone that it would be a good idea to jump into a time machine and visit wherever this cult was located. We could sing some of the Moodly Blues songs that theoretically could have been written some years later. This would be done to see if the band member documented visions in the form of poetry before turning them into songs. The songwriter would surely be surprised to hear that songs had been turned into his poetry of secret visions.

And so we traveled back into time and found the place where this early Moody Blues cult was located. I remember that the property was out in the wilderness somewhere and was surrounded by prairies and forests. Everything looked the way the coloring would look in an old photo, faded with a spepia color effect

The meaning of the dream? According to Bard, “That's a very interesting dream. It's possible that it was inspired by your interest in the Moody Blues and your knowledge of their history. The band was founded in the 1960s, a time when many people were exploring different spiritual and religious beliefs. It's possible that one of the members of the band was involved in a cult that focused on spiritual enlightenment.

It's also possible that the dream was inspired by your interest in technology. Time travel is a common theme in science fiction, and it's possible that you were thinking about how it would be to travel back in time and meet someone from the past.

Whatever the inspiration, the dream is a reminder of the power of music and its ability to connect us to different times and places. It's also a reminder of the power of imagination and our ability to explore different worlds and possibilities." 

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

 

Commercial Breaks in Heaven?

Hello All;

My granddaughter was minding her own business and watching some  cartoon on TV when the entertainment was interrupted by a commercial break! " I informed her, "Yeah, you'll learn that life is full of commercials breaks." 

But then I wondered if they have commercial breaks in Heaven.

Commercial Breaks in Heaven?

In Heaven, there are no commercial breaks. There is no need for them, as there is no advertising or marketing in Heaven. Everything that exists in Heaven is provided by God, and there is no need for anything else.

The idea of commercial breaks in Heaven is often used as a way to describe the peace and tranquility that exists there. When you are in Heaven, you are free from the cares and worries of the world. You can relax and enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Commercial breaks in Heaven are also a way to describe the sense of community that exists there. When you are in Heaven, you are surrounded by people who love you and care for you. You are never alone, and you always have someone to talk to.

If you are looking for a place where there are no commercial breaks, Heaven is the perfect place for you.

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

A Cube of Fans

Hello All:
What if you took 6 box fans and joined them together to form a cube and was sure to have the air blowing inward? What would the effect be? I suppose if one wanted to do an experiment with this one should go with smaller fans. But let's explore this from a theoretical angle with the help of Google's A1 engine, Bard

A Cube of Fans

If you took 6 box fans and joined them together to form a cube, and was sure to have the air blowing inward, the effect would be to create a very strong airflow in the center of the cube. This airflow would be able to cool down a large area very quickly.

The airflow would be strongest in the center of the cube, and would gradually weaken as you move away from the center. The air would also be cooler closer to the center of the cube, and warmer further away.

This setup would be a good way to cool down a large area quickly, such as a room or a patio. It would also be a good way to ventilate a space, such as a garage or a basement.

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

 

Looking for a Universe of Symmetry and Order

The universe is a place of symmetry and order. From the vastness of the cosmos to the smallest subatomic particles, everything seems to follow a set of rules. This symmetry and order is what allows us to make sense of the world around us and to predict how things will behave.

At the most basic level, the universe is symmetrical in time. The laws of physics are the same today as they were yesterday, and they will be the same tomorrow. This means that we can use the laws of physics to predict how things will behave in the future.

The universe is also symmetrical in space. The laws of physics are the same everywhere in the universe, regardless of where you are. This means that we can use the laws of physics to understand the universe as a whole.

Of course, the universe is not perfectly symmetrical. There are many asymmetries, such as the fact that there is more matter than antimatter. However, these asymmetries are relatively small compared to the overall symmetry of the universe.

The universe's symmetry and order is a source of wonder and awe. It is a testament to the power of mathematics and the laws of physics. It is also a reminder that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please vist: https://bard.google.com/

Is Quantum Field Theory Unified Field Theory?

 

Yes, Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is a unified field theory. It combines the theories of special relativity, classical field theory, and quantum mechanics. In QFT, all fundamental forces and elementary particles are described as excitations of fields.

For example, the electron is not a particle, but an excitation of the electron field. This means that the electron is not a single object, but a wave of energy that spreads out over space. This wave of energy can interact with other waves of energy, such as the waves of light.

QFT is a very successful theory, and it has been used to make many predictions that have been experimentally verified. However, it is not a complete theory, and there are many things that QFT does not explain. For example, QFT does not explain gravity.

There are many different approaches to developing a unified field theory, and QFT is just one of them. Other approaches include string theory and loop quantum gravity. It is not clear which approach, if any, will be successful in developing a complete unified field theory.

***

This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

The Quantum Age

The Quantum Age

The people of the future live in a reality that is very much unlike what we are currently familiar with. This is due the fact that they are well into the Quantum Age which runs in parallel with the evolution of human consciousness. 

Located at the end of the 2020, we are at the Dawn of the Quantum Age. And that threshold is continuously being pushed further and further towards earlier years--earlier decades--as the people of the future extend and join their consciousness with those nearing the Quantum Age.

Ask yourself, "When did you become aware of a sudden evolution or movement into a new sort reality?" For me, it was around 2018 when I created some sketchy rough drafts on time travelers for our sister port, PSYhub. And yet for nearly a couple of decades before that, I was aware of something very peculiar happening around us. It was like we were heading towards something big that would change and revolutionize the human race, forever. Perhaps you noticed the same?

There are reasons why Nostradamus suggested or hinted that prophecy would die sometime around 1997. I think he was noting that things got fuzzy beyond a certain date as we neared the 21st century. It's because humans would no longer be predictable and history would no longer be doomed to repeat itself. Now, at the threshold of the Quantum Age, I can understand why this is. Our consciousness has evolved to the point of understanding it's impact on the universe around us.

So what in the world am I talking about? What's the Quantum Age, or quantum reality, and what qualifies me as a sudden expert to discuss such a thing?

Well, first of all, I'm not a expert of quantum reality. Neither are you. And yet this big mystery is about to change our entire world--our entire universe! Shouldn't we at least try to adopt some sort of cursive understanding of quantum reality?

Ask most people to share their understanding of quantum physics along with it's impact on reality. They would simply shrug their shoulders or admit to never hearing of such a thing. Quantum physics, after all, is the stuff that scientists and physicists think about and discuss. And if most people tried to do some research into quantum physics, they would discover a bunch of equations and complicated theories pertaining to physics. And yet, like said before, the Quantum Age is upon us, and it's about to change our world to something vastly different. 

What's more? Quantum physics is one of the biggest secrets being held from the vast population. It is such a secret that it's almost forbidden for people to have a cursive understanding of it. There are reasons why it seems so complex and so boring when attempting to research. It's because for so long, a small and elite population of people have understood it and benefited from it. The less people who know, the better off the elite are.

One of the key concepts of quantum physics that will ultimately change our world is the proven Observer Phenomenon. Proven by the Double Slit Experiment, all matter is in various states of existence or "super-positioning" until finally observed. Further more, atomic particles can exist as waves or particles. The transition from one or the other depends on the observer who causes a collapse of the wave function which results in matter. In short, mind controls matter. We can literally will things into existence by calibrating our thoughts and our will to the point of collapsing this wave function into matter. This opens up a whole new understanding of the universe to be nothing more that a giant hologram with portions that illuminate and take shape when we simply observe. Imagine if we had the ability to calibrate thoughts and will.

The concept of non-locality is another item which will change our world. It seems to suggest that space is an illusion. Particle A and Particle B can be a thousand miles away from each other. But due to a phenomenon that Albert Einstein coined as spooky entanglement, the two of them duplicate one another's states--seem to actually know about each other despite the large distance of separation. Particle A and Particle B loses their individuality. Again, this opens up a whole new understanding of space between objects and the possibility that it may be just an illusion.

Dark matter as the whereabouts of consciousness and the afterlife, String Theory proving multiple dimensions beyond our known four; humans with an ability pass through physical walls like a ghost, and--yes--the realized ability to travel forward and reverse in time. These are all revolutionary developments in the 21st century that the people of the future have already embraced and have begun using. Their consciousness and understanding of the universe is vastly different from ours. 

Schrödinger's Cat Theory Hype?

 I don't know if I believe in the Schrödinger's Cat theory, a well known theory to illustrate the importance of the Observer effect. Those familiar with the theory can certainly recall how the cat is locked up inside of a box with no way of those on the outside to view, hear, or measure what's going on inside. With the cat is a vile of some toxic, radioactive material. If that cat gets into this vile, the cat will surely die. 

Understanding what's inside of the box without being able to gauge the outcome, Schrödinger argues that the cat is both alive and dead. This is because the human element hasn't imposed the observer effect by opening up the box and confirming what is there. 

But I think the Schrödinger's Cat theory suggests the human element to have way more importance than what we really have. Just because we can't see, hear, measure or detect in any way, it doesn't mean the reality doesn't exist. I'm surprised people haven't created a list of a dozen or more realities in that box. The cat could be sitting there, meowing, while waiting for its owner to open the box. The cat could be sleeping because its bored. The cat might also have been so frightened from being trapped in a box that it died of a hear attack. We can take it even further and say that while opening up the box, we inadvertently broke the vile which killed the cat. But regardless of the countless scenarios we come up with, there is still a definite reality in that box that we simply are unaware of. 

If we religiously followed the Schrödinger's Cat theory, we could declare any number of realities to exist or not exist simply because we haven't confirmed them. In a dramatic example, we could say that your loved one has driven off in a car to--say--the store or any arbitrary place. A minute or two later, you hear emergency vehicles. Then, fifteen minutes later, you get a phone call which shows on caller ID as coming from the police. If you refuse to answer the phone and refuse to confirm whether or not your loved one was tragically killed in an automobile accident; then, according to Schrödinger, your loved one is both alive and dead. And I suppose if you favor the the reality of your loved one being alive, you can simply go with that one.

Oh, but a day or two passes (assuming the police or anyone else is unable to reach you) and your loved one hasn't returned home. You haven't received a telephone call, text message, email or even letter. I suppose you can theorize that your loved one simply ran away without telling you. Or maybe they simply got lost and were unable to find their way back home. There are any number of possibilities to explain why your loved one is missing. But it certainly wouldn't have anything to do with that car crash and the police trying to reach you.

The reality is, (KNOCK AND WOOD AND GOD FORBID THIS FROM LEAKING OUTSIDE OF THE WRITING) your loved one has died in a car crash. You simply refuse to see the truth. And no matter how much you try, you do not have the power to focus on an alternative reality, harness some mystical energy so that your loved one is still alive.

***

Some years ago, I went for a hike in the forest on a winter day shortly after we had just received a large amount of snow. This particular forest preserve was one that I had visited when I was younger. And something I remember in those past visits was a rusty, old Jeep that had been overturned and laying at the bottom of a ravine. 

"Hey, maybe I should hike over there and see if it's still there."

I hiked about five minutes, and saw some rectangular mass buried beneath the fresh, fallen snow. 

"There it is!" 

I climbed down steep ravine and crossed over the frozen creek only to discover that the rectangular mass was a pile of logs buried in snow. The old Jeep had been removed from the forest at some point in the years that I hadn't visited.

I wonder if there are those who argue that had I not gone down to the ravine to confirm the existence of the jeep, dusted off the snow and touched it with my hands, that the reality of it existing down there would still be true. I've often wondered this myself. And yet I prefer to believe that regardless of whether or not I went down there, the Jeep was gone. I simply didn't take a closer look to confirm. If I went home, satisfied, that I found the Jeep during my hike in the woods, it wouldn't actually be there. 

If You Could Do It All Over Again...

If You Could Do It All Over Again... 

Has anyone ever asked you the question, "If you could do things over again in your life, knowing what you know now, would you do things differently?"

Someone recently asked me this.

"Of course I would, who wouldn't?" I answered. "As a kid, I would pay attention in class and do better in school. As a young adult, I would know my career path earlier. I would be wiser with money and have the knowledge of investing. I could be rich!" This is what most people think. 

Oh, but there's so much more! How about that ex boyfriend/girlfriend?--you know the one, the one you wished you had never met? We all have those. Well upon doing your life over, you would be sure to avoid this person like the plague. The same goes for all those people who you thought were your friends, but ended up becoming people who you couldn't trust or even people who you learned really didn't like you. You would immediately avoid them once re-encountering them on your second chance life. If you're old enough, you would probably re-encounter some of your first careers and you'd realize that this job offer wasn't the greatest, or that working for this person would probably lead to certain misery that you wouldn't have wanted. The benefits go on and on.

Sometimes re-living your life offers tough choices and hidden consequences. Take for example that girl (or guy) that you always wished you had taken a chance on. What would happen if you did that the second time around? Maybe you wouldn't end up meeting your spouse and having the same children that you have now. 

If you happen to be my age and you grew up in the eighties, you would immediately become very bored with the music. Oh sure, we all love retro 80s... for about a half an hour or so. Imagine if that's all you could hear when you turned on the radio. 

You would miss a lot of the things that you have now such as a computer. In the 80s, you would purchase a computer at the first chance you get. It would have been a pricey novelty around the time that you grow up. You were so used to having one in your first-chance life that you would need one when you're doing your life over again. And how about your iPhone or Android? They don't have those. You would probably invest in some sort of pricey hand-held device like one of the earliest palm pilots because you're used to having information in your hand.