Art, Sex and Martinis

Thoughts on Artificial Intelligence

2008-04-20T19:57:00.014-04:00

We've all seen the movies or read the books. Artificial intelligence, however, is about set to break free from the 2-dimensional world. Leading scientists now say that the first artificial organisms can be born within 10 years.

Intelligence, as a working definition, is the ability to make standalone judgments based on impulses coming from one's surroundings. The hallmark of intelligence is action based on choice, rather than rule. For example, if you've seen those eHarmony.com commercials that talk about a system for matching by compatibility. It is advertised as an intelligent system, but really it's just based upon a sequence of rules (i.e. if A=B, then C=D, etc.) There is no ability to discern unusual circumstances, such as a partial parameter (i.e. person does not fully conform to A or B, but falls in between).

Many people might confuse robotics and artificial intelligence. For example, Honda's now famous Asimo is sometimes mistaken as being intelligent.

In reality Asimo is a non-intelligent robot; although he seems to interact of his own volition, every single action and reaction is controlled by lines and more lines of programmed code. These sub-routines do not think, simply follow.

The key difference is that A.I. beings will ultimately be able to actively shape their own program. Imagine for a moment - you own one of those Asimo units. Let's say it's been programmed to help you carry objects up and down stairs. The program will consistently carry out the action as needed, faltering only due to mechanical issues.

Now let's say that Asimo has been upgraded with an A.I. processor. The unit no longer relies on the owner to call it. It will inspect the situation and determine whether or not assistance is necessary, based on various factors. Of course, this stage is much further away than 10 years.

Still, how benign are the molecular mecha-organisms currently being developed?

Anyone who has seen 2001: A Space Odyssey knows the ugly side of A.I. gone bad.

Image: HAL9000, the fiendishly disobedient A.I. from 2001: A Space Odyssey

Many people assume that as long they are micro-organisms, there is little threat. Maybe I've seen too many disaster movies or watched too many sci-fi shows, but isn't that when the danger is greatest? It's more difficult to control something we can't directly see or handle.

I think A.I. is a great thing and the natural next step in technological evolution, but we have to be cautious. Scientists are making bold leaps, sometimes without having 100% understanding of or control over the laboratory conditions. It's easy enough to predict and control one tiny A.I. molecule. What about groups? There are many unpredictable dynamics when dealing with groups of such organisms.

I’ve got many questions.

- What safeguards will there be against such groups co-operating to break out of their design parameters (which is totally possible with non-rule oriented beings)?
- Will these new organisms be able to interact with biological sells and non-living organic molecules?
- What about continuity? Will they be able to replicate themselves? What controls are there to prevent them from "assimilating" new organic elements and evolving beyond human control?

I don't mean to sound paranoid, it's really a great thing. However, humans are inherently open to making miscalculations and this is one area where a miscalculation can be grave.

Alternately, this presents a whole new area of philosophy. Recently, Java Jones did a couple of interesting philosophical posts. One about perceptions of reality and another on the physical manifestation of stored information. The upcomming A.I.'s present a cross-section of these two concepts. Soon enough we'll be sitting around pondering how neurotransmitters are stored, copied and transferred; how electrical impulses carry oxygen and other fuels for life.

Also, what about the use of A.I. technology on already existing organisms...

What will happen when A.I. is applied to more advanced organisms? Such devices have already been used to mind-control insects, fish, birds and even small mammals. The U.S. government (supposedly) already has dolphins equipped with such bio-mechanical interfaces.

Image: Electrical impulses used to control the behavior of a roach.

I believe this is torture for animals, and I think it takes mankind "1 step forward, 2 steps back". To be simultaneously advancing in technology and de-evolving in comodification of living beings is simply not acceptable.

Mankind is at a cross-roads, much as we've been in the past. Whatever the chosen path, we can never and will never go back.

Pro Patria -

2008-04-17T18:11:00.002-04:00

- For one's country.

The more I pay attention to political battles ensuing in the media, the more I'm convinced people have "patriotism" all wrong. Recently I read this article, which suggests two main points for why Obama is unpatriotic: He doesn't wear a US flag pin and he knows a guy that used to be in the Weather Underground.

Really?

If that's all the dirt they can come up with then I'd have to say the guy is a saint.

The flag pin: Obama is a multi-cultural man, and I personally commend him for being such. By representing one country's flag, he is shunning another. Wearing both flags would set off a media firestorm, so the only option is not to wear any. That only shows that the man is a genuine patriot who will not sell out one part of his identity to gain favors with another.

The W.U. dude: I guess the obvious assumption made here is that the Weather Underground was unpatriotic. Granted, their methods were over-the-top. The philosophy, however, was very much aimed at improving this country. They aimed to further the goals of equality and peace in this country, a struggle very much in effect today. Even their bombings were somewhat benevolent; aimed at symbols of the government (a la "V for Vendetta") rather than people. They often placed warning calls before a bombing, causing all employees of target buildings to be evacuated. In contrast, religious fanatics in this country don't think twice about bombing abortion clinics full of living, breathing, human beings.

Now, I have to ask... are these media figures and pundits just playing the fool?

Many of them grew up during the civil wars of the 1960's and 70's; were themselves a part of the counter-culture. Can it really be that they've forgotten? No. I think it's much more likely that they've committed to an ideology, thus forcing themselves to use deceptive devices (i.e. convenient omission, reaction/emotional exaggeration, flat out bullshit, etc).

When you play the fool you do two things: sell yourself out and sell yourself short. It seems like Barrack Obama refuses to sell out his values, and is under fire as a result. It's sad to see genuineness viewed as a shortcoming. Hilary has been faking and fooling her way through almost every media appearance since she was first set back-paddling. And despite the fact that Obama is more genuine, it seems like he has less of a chance to beat McCain.

Put your creativity to work... on eBay!

2008-04-16T19:24:00.009-04:00

We all want that ideal home-based source of supplementary income. EBay, the biggest marketplace for home-based business, is the ticket to finally opening that door.

You need but one of two things in order to profit: a niche and/or creativity.

The beautiful thing about the online market is that you are not limited to tangible goods. This is where your creative sensibilities can really pay off. Just look at the string of off-beat and gimmicky auctions that have been quite successful:

- Last year an average looking lady from CA (not someone famous or anything) listed a month worth of advertising on the space above her large breasts. That sold for $2,200! And I don’t think she was actually walking around bearing it all for a month.

- A Scottish woman did the same thing and made 422 GPB, or about $840 for a 15 day ad.

- Supposedly “haunted” dolls and items. As long as the back-story is interesting and scary enough, these items commonly go for $50-$100+ when they would regularly be $5. All you need is some old, scary looking toys and a talent for creative writing (which, as a blogger, you have!)

- New trends. Someone had come up with the genius idea to use the community aspect of eBay to make a profit. The idea: A game of “pass-it-around Twister”. The first person spins and writes in the spaces where they would have to place their hands/feet. Then it’s sold, the next person does the same and so on. Some of these “passes” actually did as much as $130 + shipping! There are numerous such examples out there, and it can pay of to get on the bandwagon when the price is low enough.

- Use your own website! You can actually sell advertising space on your own blog. Weekly, monthly, whatever – it’s up to you. Especially if you get a decent amount of traffic, that can be a selling point. Once sold you can simply add their ad by pasting it in or with code, depending on the format of your site.

- Provide a service. I haven’t seen to many people listing custom writing services, but it could definitely work. You can list services such as homework help, essay/paper assistance, custom written poems and stories, editing services. The plethora is limited only by your imagination.

Get your own ideas – just browse through the Everything else – strange / bizarre items categories and you’ll see what I mean!

As for the niche approach… that’s a bit more tricky. There are plenty of opportunities to make bulk/wholesale purchases and profit from reselling. The thing is, you need to know what you’re doing.

Developing a niche requires much more time and commitment, as well as investing in a reference library for whatever the niche is. For example, I primarily deal with coins. The resources and accessories cost nearly $1,500, but it was worth every penny. Each time I find something valuable that might’ve otherwise been discarded, I’m thankful for making the investment.

It beats the heck out of working for someone else and can easily hold you over while searching for that ever so elusive full-time creative job.

Has technology killed the romance star? - Not quite!

2008-04-15T13:27:00.009-04:00

For some time I've held the belief that technology has completely killed everyday romance in our lives. It just seems to me like romance requires effort - like the olden days. There was no means for instant communication or express transportation. When you did see your love it was truly romantic. Now-a-days it's all at the tips of your fingers. As a result, "romantic" has become replaced by such adjectives as "sweet," "cute," "corny," "hot," etc.

So, browsing the news today I came across one very refreshing tidbit of a story. This one raises the bar for all the guys!

It's so cool how the guy used technology to bring romance back. Wish I were that creative and capable! This guy actually spent a couple months figuring out how to manipulate the program. Like I mentioned earlier, romance requires a genuine effort. In this day and age, to devote months to a task that can easily be done in other ways... that's a true romantic.

What do the ladies think of this one?

Italian pornstar grabs politics by the balls

2008-04-13T21:04:00.007-04:00

Former erotic actress Milly D'Abbraccio is making waves in the world of Italian politics.

Her campaing is using her most familiar asset to attract voters…

Image: Actual campaign poster, identical to those hanging around Rome.

The intersting thing is that she’s actually being taken seriously. Here is the U.S., pornstar Mary Carey had made a run for governor of California. She was not at all taken seriously. Rather the republicans used her as a show piece to raise money and get free advertising through sensational media. The Italian enigma is a little confusing. On the one hand you have a culture rooted in religious tradition and values. On the other hand, you have open support for a politician who wants to create a new red-light district near the Vatican.

To me this represents the ultimate clash between the old and new worlds; progress in the face of tradition. Italy previously had a former erotic actress actually elected to their parliament. Some 20 years earlier “Cicciolina” had mingled among the suit-and-tie crowd in skimpy outfits and punctuated her talking points with strip dances.

I can’t wait until the U.S. adopts this open mentality. One aspect of your experience does not necessarily have a bearing on other aspects. Like the saying “What’s that got to do with the price of rice in China?” In the U.S. we have the supposed “values voters” who look at image first and political aptness second. Politicians should represent the people they govern. A former pornstar is a lot more in touch with the everyday person than the clean cut, straight talking career poltician.

Restricting our choices with something so irrelevant as image only hurts us. Genuine personalities are weeded out. Fakers, liars and poker-faced bastards remain. Thus, our elections become a “lesser of two evils” scenario, where it should be “let the best (wo)man win.”

Delaying gratification, role reversal and frigidity

2008-04-12T16:06:00.004-04:00

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you guys for the support. I know my posting has been lax lately, but there’s a lot going on these past couple weeks. Should be back to full strength soon! =)

Despite how it sounds, delaying the orgasm leads to a better and more fulfilling climax. There is a certain sense of maturity required, in terms of experience and a mind state of not just wanting to “get your rocks off.” To delay gratification is both a selfish and a generous act; you must be willing to give and receive, not just one. Also, if you’re a man and find it difficult to outlast your woman, then this is for you.

Image: Roy Lichtenstein "In the Car" 1963

Techniques:

Breathing - Slow, deep breaths will bring down your heart rate and relax the nervous system, effectively counteracting sexual stimulation. Some people experience a sensation of fainting after sex. This is mainly due to improper breathing (too fast, too heavy). Personally, I find that fast paced pumping doesn’t feel nearly as good as deliberate, “grinding” strokes. Of course, these can make you climax even faster… so read on.

Posture – Looking at the “epicenter” of the action is usually very arousing. Try doing a position where you cannot see, but can only feel. Something where you’re more face to face, neck or back than at a distance. Use that closeness to stimulate some of the more subtle erogenous zones, i.e. the ear, temple, outer corners of the eyes, side and back of neck, lips. In addition, when you’re not seeing it directly it’s easier to drift off (Not very passionate to drift off during sex. But if you really feel like it’s the only way to keep going long enough – it works).

Stroke – When you’re in, it’s all about depth and angle. Straight in is the best way to keep from being over-stimulated, but chances are it’s not doing much for your girl. So, if you can’t use the angle, use the depth. Rather than a full stroke do a shallower one, where the head stays in and the shaft is taking most of the contact. This will do enough to keep you in the zone, but not enough to make you climax fast when combined with some of the aforementioned points.

When you get the hang of it, you will have excellent control over when you do or don’t orgasm.

By getting close and then staying there, waiting patiently, you will get more overall pleasure out of sex. Not to mention the grateful and pleased woman next to you. Guys sometimes complain that girls have such a long orgasm. Well, here’s the equalizer.

Image: The Seahorse is a master of role reversal. The female transfers her egg sac, and the male carries out the remainder of the pregnancy and birthing process.

Another interesting milestone in any relationship is the role reversal. Typically (and this is by no means the rule!) one person is going towards a goal and another is kind of laying back for the ride. In heterosexual couples, let’s say the man is “driver” (to borrow the stereotypical gender perspective).

One particularly potent expression of this reversal is the lingam massage. Now, this is a mix of sugar and spice; with incredible pleasure comes some intrusion of personal boundaries.

An excellent guide to the lingam massage can be found at the White Lotus. This is an excellent database of sexual techniques to explore by oneself or with a partner(s).

Another important aspect of being a great lover is the understanding of where your girl’s g-spots are. Women have a different ratio of clitoral vs. vaginal sensitivity which directly relates to what acts in what modalities will cause them to orgasm. Even if the girl is not aware, you have to make it your business to experiment and figure it out. The number of women who believe there is a psychological reason for their not orgasming is greatly exaggerated. I’ve said this in previous posts, for some that’s true and for many it’s just improper handling.

The White Lotus also has a great resource on frigidity that men and women may find useful.

Who's the man - Bad boy or Smart toy?

2008-04-09T12:32:00.005-04:00

In a recent post, Funkybrownchick mentioned that nice guys get less ass than cocky guys. I though about this for a moment and completely disagreed.

The only factor behind this I can think of is shyness vs. sociability. Nice guys may be less likely to approach a girl, thus diminishing potential encounters. For this post, let’s ignore this little paradigm. ;)

The way I see it, you need to have at least one of the two: personality or looks. A guy that’s good looking will get plenty of ass, cocky or nice doesn’t matter so much as long as they are sociable.

But, what about a guy that’s not at all attractive?

No looks + bad personality = recipe for loneliness

A nice guy, on the other hand, may not have looks. They may not be getting ass in the casual sense, but at least their personality can attract a deep and meaningful relationship.

This is also related to age and maturity. I see that younger girls sometimes like the bad boys. Again, their attraction is fleeting like the flavor of the month and does not lead to anything lasting. As they mature, many women move away from that “just for fun” mentality and start to think about serious relationships. Ultimately, it’s the nice guys that wind up with the prize.

That being said, some of you may be thinking… “So, the cocky guy gets first dibs?”

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s all a matter of preference. Personally, I don’t want a girl to just lay there. Girls with experience are simply better. That’s the exact reason I’m typically attracted to girls my age and older, rather than younger. (And would never consider dating a virgin, no matter how hot/interesting she may be. If anything she would be just a friend, without benefits.)

Cocky guys attract party girls, while nice guys attract smart girls. So even if it’s true that nice guys get less ass… I still say QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!

Would love to hear the women’s opinions on this one! =)

I’m a shy guy, when it comes to unacquainted girls. Every girl I’ve ever hooked-up or gone out with was introduced by mutual friends or actually came up to me and said something first (like my current girlfriend). I know that I could have had waaay more women if only I partook in the hunt. If I see a girl checking me out, I don’t follow up (even if I’m single). Maybe a glance or two back and forth and then right back to my book or notepad or whatever I’m doing. Guess I’m just not a pick-up artist.

I have no regrets though. Casual sex is not an attractive prospect; fucking for the sake of physical release is an empty shell of the actual act. I am very happy with the type of girls my nice-guy personality has reeled in, especially the one I’m with now.

On a related note: Nice guys actually do finish first!

Suspiro Ergo Sum (I breathe, therefore I am)

2008-04-06T18:05:00.006-04:00

Many people underestimate the importance of correct breathing. In the normal to-and-fro of daily activities people typically breathe shallow and at an increased pace. This has both short and long term negative effects. Shallow breathing can contribute to anxiety and related palpitations of the heart. Also, deep breathing opens up the lower branches of the bronchial tree. With shallow breathers, those areas are prone to being blocked of with respiratory infections, which can then lead to pneumonia, bronchitis and an early death. This is especially the case for smokers, who already have an increased rate of sputum production. (Sputum is a major cause of blocked bronchioles).

Some tips: When you want to have a relaxation session, you need to set a rhythm. Start by taking deep breathes (to the point where you cannot inhale any more) at a count of 5 seconds per inhale and 5 seconds per exhale. Breathe in through the nose and exhale via the mouth. Be sure to breathe from the chest (you should feel your ribs expanding rather than your abdomen). After a cycle of 15 – 20 breaths, slow it down to 6 seconds per inhale and exhale. After another 15 breathes, down to 7 seconds. Continue this at a pace of 1 more second for every 12 - 15 breathes up to about 9 seconds, or where ever you feel comfortable and not lacking air.

As you progress through each cycle, your heart rate will slow down and your mind will begin to drift off with the vibration of the breaths (similar to the use of “Ohhhmmmmm” in many practices). You’ve disconnected from the everyday; stepped out from behind the veil of practical reality into a personal intellectual reality.

At this point, only you know how to figure out personal puzzles and infractions of the ego. Getting here is half the battle.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the grind; to become so intertwined in the worlds of others that you lose touch with yourself. These breathing techniques can be useful in so many ways… anger control, stress relief, or just to give yourself a minute to sort things out and get a fresh start. Once your heart rate is relaxed anxiety will not be a problem, those little neurotic ticks that affect us when we’re under serious pressure will be marginalized. If you’re impatient (like me), this will help you when dealing with some of the duller light bulbs in the lamp store =)
Oh, and don’t forget… proper breathing can be an important tool in tantric pursuits. If you and your lover wish to take your sexual relationship to a deeper level, synchronous breathing is a KEY factor. It's a foundation for Kama Sutra and other forms of tantric yoga, and you need it to turn the penis and vagina into the lingam and yoni.

Image: Lingam inside yoni (white).

Additional resources:

Pranayama – Breathing techniques of the yogis

Swara Yoga – the science of nasal breathing

Help people keep breathing! Learn the new CPR guidelines (PDF format)

Etiquette... or a lack thereof

2008-04-04T15:56:00.008-04:00

What the hell happened to being kind for the sake of being kind?

I'm in the post office the other day. A middle aged man (white, around his 50's) is leaving the lobby. Behind him is a woman (also white, looked about 40-ish). He sees her behind him, holds the door and gives her a pleasant smile. Nothing wrong with that, right?

Well, literally 2 steps behind this lady was another woman (Asian, looked to be in her 50's) carrying a big box with both hands.

The guy sees her right behind the first woman, LOOKS HER STRAIGHT IN THE FACE and lets the door go, hitting and knocking her down. If not for the box, that heavy metal and glass door would have hit her dead-on in the face. I blurted out "Muthafucker!" and was pleasantly surprised that other people standing on the line had the same notion.

So this asshole held the door for the nice, attractive white woman who didn't need help. The little Asian lady, that DID need someone to hold the door, was not his problem.

So, what's up with etiquette?

Another example: While on the train this past weekend, I decided to do a little naturalistic observation. Finally, an old lady came on the train (black, with a cane, looked about 60's-70's) and it was pretty crowded. She stood by one of the poles in the center, next to a bench with several college-age boys and a girl.

Care to guess what happened?

The 4 young-guns, who were so animated in their mutual conversation only a minute ago, suddenly went to sleep! That's right. Closed their eyes or put in headphones, and kept looking down into their own little world. The guilt was apparent, but not the means to resolve it.
Had I been sitting I'd give it up right away, but I wasn't, so this just made me even madder. I had a mind to grab on of these shit-heads and... well, unfortunately that's not me. Besides, I can't even count how many times my own naive little ass had done the same fucked up thing.

But...

Here's the kicker. About 15 minutes later, after that lady had been given another seat (and by someone around the same age as her!) a super attractive girl walks on, still no open seats. One of the sleepers must have dreamt about her, cuz he made like morning wood and popped right up. All smiling and motioning for her to take a seat. She took his offer, with a half smile like she's used to this; a haphazard show of gratitude, not because it's felt but rather because it's socially appropriate.

Is etiquette the new pick-up line??

Well, so far I only know of one place that people make a very strong point of sticking to the rules...

'Till next time! And when that time comes, I'll try not to sound pissed =)

In the meantime, check out the humorous, yet appropriate etiquette handbook from NY Magazine.

Prose, as inspired by CoSM

2008-04-01T17:56:00.008-04:00

The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, or CoSM is the personal museum of famed NYC artist Alex Grey.
CoSM is a center of spiritual, sexual and empirical thought, expression and freedom. Visionary spiritualist Alex Grey has a knack for capturing in paint what we can only imagine in fleeting bits and pieces. He creates worlds that are simultaneously in front of and inside the viewer.
If you live in, or will be visiting NYC, I highly recommend you check out the above link. His works embody raw passion, to the point where a viewing with one of his pieces feels like mental sex. Alex Grey is known for shedding away the flesh and showing humans, animals and ideas in their true form.
If you plan to visit - Leave all reservations at the door!

The following is a piece of prose I wrote on a recent visit. The inspiration was a wonderful triptych titled "Journey of the Wounded Healer".

I fell into the piece, and barely climbed back out. For a second, my world went dark... and only then could I see that the light has been artificial all along.

The chicken-man crows
His hearkening call bringing with it a new era of silence
I came once, and witnessed
What before I'd only heard

The little fish becomes the big sea
Becomes the sky
Mirrors the world

Mechanical dreams become patchwork memories
And the feelings of winter,
They reflect in her eyes

In my bed
of Baptism and burial
A tangled path unwinds anew

Click on the image to view full size.

Interracial couples and those who stare at them

2008-03-31T21:40:00.006-04:00

Peek-a-boo, I see you...

This is a notion I've gotten pretty used to in 4 years of being in an interracial relationship. For whatever reasons, people look and stare. My girlfriend used to always react by muttering things like "What the hell are they staring at?!?" or "What? They've never seen a..." accompanied with a dirty look in the viewer's direction.
But...
Is it right to automatically assume that they are looking upon us with negative judgment? I think not!
Granted, some people will look at you with a sense of disapproval or even disgust. However, some people may be genuinely curious; as in the case of those who recently broke out of a uni-racial country or community. Also, you have people like me who are in the same exact place you are. I may look, but only to think "Oh cool, another..." as opposed to "Oh god! Not another..."
When I am put in the viewer's position it's pretty clear that there is a generalized reaction to "staring". But, what constitutes staring? In my experience, even a moment of eye-contact is enough to elicit a negative reaction.
Seems like glances that would be deemed normal and insignificant when you are alone suddenly become offensive when your mismatched mate is alongside you. In reality, there is no difference.
We instinctively pass over the mundane and focus our attention on things that stick out. And in most environments, an interracial couple tends to stick out.
So if you're in this situation now or will be in the future, please remember that not all looks are meant to kill...

...But I'm still getting this t-shirt. =)

Guy gets caught screwing a picnic table.

2008-03-29T19:35:00.004-04:00

Have you seen, heard or read this story?? Just when I though stuff on the news couldn't get any more ridiculous, this story breaks about a furniphiliac.

Yogi Bear would be ashamed!

Opinions?

Don't touch my...

2008-03-29T12:13:00.005-04:00

Image source: Photo at Kohl's in Ceasar's Bay, Brooklyn.

Maybe I've fallen out of touch with fashion, but... wtf is up with these mannequins?? Did they have a traumatic experience in the storage shed? And don't they look kind of manly to be wearing skirts?

Close your eyes and take a good look

2008-03-28T11:49:00.021-04:00

Absinthe is a hell of a drug, man.

Well, not really. That’s why it’s recently been legalized in the US for import and, in some places, sale. My folks will no longer have to smuggle them in from Prague.

Funny story, my dad stuffed a bottle into a pair of pants in his luggage. He knew the x-ray would spot it, so he cut off the “absinthe” part of the label and put it in a book. Unfortunately, the Bohemian supermarket brand was much worse quality than the expensive imports.

Regardless, me and my friends had a blast. If you’ve never tried absinthe then you should know that:

It tastes NASTY!!! IF you like the taste of anise seed, licorice, or Sambuca Romano liquor, then you’re all set. Otherwise you may want to go for the red absinthe, which doesn’t have anise seed.

Don’t do shots! Seriously, even if you consider yourself as having an iron stomach, you’ll probably still throw up. You mix about 1 part absinthe with 5 parts cold water, a spoonful of sugar (also an excellent short film.), and some fire. That’s right. FIRE. You have to light up the sugar. Once the sugar caramelizes and the water is mixed in, absinthe should louch from a clear green to a foamy, opaque light green. Now keep in mind that cheap absinthe doesn’t louch, as I found out first hand.

You won’t trip balls. I used to hear people talk about it like it was on par with acid or shrooms. Really, it’s all hype from people that never tried it. The effect is basically the same as a regular buzz, with a few differences. It makes you very energetic and giddy at first, like alcohol, only without the slurred speech, loss of balance and with a surprising clarity of thought. As soon as we got the drinks down, we proceeded into a 15 minute long philosophical discussion. After that, the thujone wears off and you just feel the alcohol effect.

Alcohol and thujone. These are the main active ingredients. Absinthe is typically between 140 and 180 proof, with a thujone content of 6 to 15 %. At higher thujone levels it can bring about mild visual effects, such as colors becoming more vivid and can appear to come out of the surface right at you. This must be why Van Gogh was such a fan of the “Green Fairy.” It certainly shows in his paintings.

So if you plan on trying it, here's a couple suggestions:
Pick a place without too much stimulation. For example, don't do it at a club or parade, etc. Because too much stimulus can cause you to blank out, just like on shrooms.
Don't mix with other drinks, alcoholic that is.
It's also more fun in a small group. You'll be amazed at the depth of the conversation.
This is not a liquor that should be abused by alcoholics.

If you're gonna do it, make sure to let me know of your experience. =)

Image source: Photo in Negative effect.

Poetry is the expression of one's soul

2008-03-26T22:41:00.012-04:00

Don't you just love digging through piles of your written work from like 10 years ago? I sure do!
The best thing is reading your own work once you've completely forgotten about it. Here are two very different pieces of prose and poetry I wrote for publication in a high school literary magazine. I was never really good at coming up with titles, so I just didn't bother =)

Untitled 1 (prose):

I sat on the beach and waited...for summer to pass, and the sand to turn black.

Night after night I watched...through tranquil breeze and summer storm.

Comets blazed with Heaven's fire...buried in their ashes I stayed, and collected my thoughts.

The depths of sky have littered sparks upon the waves. Burning pyres as testaments to watery graves.

I will swim among the fires by moonlight and starlight... just to find my peace next to you.

Untitled 2 (poetry):

As we walk and talk our tunes
Of summer past and summer soon
When young hearts are a-toying
Waiting for the coming June

On summer nights and summer days
The loneliness of winter fades
The loves of spring a thing gone past
The aches of autumn approaching fast

But these hands are seldom idle
Much like many busy bees.
As they find that rare honey
And return among the trees

Once the summer didn’t stay,
Went to September right from May.
Skipped on all the summer drama,
In the world you’ve turned away

In the deep and tender night
When the fireflies take flight
I will find you here once more
Softly crying at my door

But those days are getting shorter
Soon the boys and girls will see
That summer time has come to be
And summer love has come for me

For whom the bell doesn't toll

2008-03-25T10:43:00.007-04:00

People exist, or don't. It's up to you to notice them.

The world of intellectualism has it's ugly side too. Whenever you put yourself on a level apart from others, you adopt the elitist mentality. "Insignificant" things and beings suddenly drop off your radar.

There is no worse crime than for a great poet to be a laborer; a great philosopher to be a soldier.

Take this girl on the train, a solemn manifesto inscribed in flesh. She may not be attractive, she may not be "dressed to kill", she may not be saying anything. No bag, no book, no music player, nothing. A fixed gaze and a horrific scar where her larynx once was.

But, who's to say that her silent vision of the world will not invert your own reality, shatter the mold whence you came, make it impossible to return.

There is no worse crime than to silence the already voiceless.

Image: Original photograph with Solari effect

Cunnilingus - Tips for guys, from a guy

2008-03-23T20:14:00.022-04:00

Every now and then I hear one of my female friends talking about an unsuccessful oral adventure. I’m sure for some of them it’s a psycho-biological issue, but for many it’s something else. Their guys simply haven’t perfected the right techniques and are too damn proud to take instruction from their ladies. So, I’ve decided to compile a little list of proven methods.

* Remember that no two women have the same exact likes and dislikes. Look at this as a starting point to be built upon later.

Keep it comin’ – The number one mistake guys make is breaking the rhythm. Us guys, we can stop and pick up right where we left off a minute ago. For the majority of girls, if you pause or break the rhythm of strokes and/or speed it’s right back to square one. Make sure you can breathe through your nose, so you don’t have to stop for breaths. You may also want to practice swallowing while keeping your tongue sticking out (unless you don’t mind creating a puddle of saliva). That was my biggest issue… having to pause to swallow, which sets the girl back a couple “steppes” from the plateau.

Get real – You have to know when to get serious. At first, playing around/getting fancy all over down there can be fun. But know when to bring it on home. When you’re in the home stretch be like tunnel vision and focus just on the clit. Use a constant speed and stroke (see above), and you’ll be at T-minus 10… 9… 8…

Know your enemy – Clits come in all shapes and sizes. Hey, that’s why god or evolution gave us flexible tongues. Typically the most effective method is to use the tip. The flat areas of the tongue just don’t seem to cut it. In addition, the underside of the tongue sometimes works better. The top is rougher, but flat. The underside is fairly smooth, but has all these uneven nooks and bumps which will add to the stimulation factor.

Use your neck – Doing all the work with just your tongue will make you sore very quickly. Depending if your girl is a quickie or not, you may not even be able to finish her before you go numb. The best method I can recommend is to flatten your tongue horizontally in between your lips, with maybe ¼”- ½” of the tongue protruding out. Stiffen it (by tightening the tongue and jaw muscles). Once you find the clit (There’s Waldo!), get it right on the tip of the tongue, with your lips on the top and bottom of it (will keep you from loosing it). Just keep your tongue and lips stiff and move your whole head side-to-side from the neck.

Walk, jog, don’t run – It’s generally a good idea to ease into it. Don’t just hit the ground running. Get it scintillating with slow but somewhat hard strokes of the tongue. (this is also the time to get all the fancy show-off stuff out of the way). You never want to go too fast, like to the point where the woman cannot discern contact from breaks in contact. It basically becomes as if something is just pressing against it and not really moving. This can get it sore before she can even reach climax.

Peaks and valleys – side to side, horizontal strokes are the stereotypical norm. This focuses on the tip of the clit, but that is not the entire erogenous area. If you really want to make your girl climax hard, try this: as you go side to side, each time you catch the top of the clit, push down into the valley on either side (so if you’re stroking left to right, you hit the tip and slide down the right side and vice versa on the back-stroke. Start slow and with moderate pressure. Work up an even pace and speed it up a little while keeping the pressure constant. If you’re doing it right, you’ll get a very obvious reaction to tell you so =)

Don’t be a pussy – I’ve met quite a few guys that simply have a problem with going down on their girls. For some the issue is fluids, others it’s pride and for a few it’s a bad past experience. Regardless of the reason, I say… C’mon! Be strong and overcome.

Don’t be a dick – Seriously dude. Don’t be a dick.

You’ve come a long way, baby – This may not seem like such a big detail in the grand scheme of any relationship, but take some time to absorb and practice these techniques. It actually can be very important, and being closer in this aspect can bring you closer in many other aspects, both sexual and not.

Just do it (No pain, no gain) – Yes, your neck will be sore, yes your tongue and jaw might go numb, yes you may have a “milk” moustache. So fucking what? Take pleasure in giving, not just in receiving. Having all three of these things is just a sign of a job well done.

If it hurts, do it differently – Cunnilingus does not always have to have the girl on her back. Why don’t you get on your back and let her sit on your face? This way, your neck will not get burned out and she can control the rhythm and pace herself. Just make sure you can breathe!

The golden rule – don’t be afraid to take critiques/instructions from your girls! She’s not trying to say that you’re inadequate. Remember, this is not instinct and we all have to learn and practice to really get good. Always remember that what works for one girl is not guaranteed to work for all girls.

Most importantly – BE GENEROUS! You know they deserve it.

Diagrams possibly coming soon. =)~

"Honey, would you please walk the Goose?"

2008-03-22T17:11:00.006-04:00

So I'm driving home this afternoon and right before I hit my corner there's an obstruction in the road. I've seen people walking all sorts of odd stuff while living in NYC. I've seen all sorts of cats, iguanas, a pig, a billy goat, ferrets, even a raccoon. But for the first time ever the dude was walking a goose! A bunch of kids gathered on either side of the street. The guy was directing the goose with occasional showers of feed thrown from his hand.
A big, white, ass-feather waggin' goose... and with no leash.

* I don't recommend anyone take pictures while driving. Especially not while maneuvering across the median. That other driver was kinda pissed. =)

Image source: Mobile phone picture.

Is Jeremiah Wright really evil?

2008-03-21T11:38:00.016-04:00

If you've turned on the news, radio or opened a newspaper within the last couple weeks, this name should ring a bell. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama's ex-minister and international man of mystery.

Sure, right now he's the media's "it" guy. But is the picture really as ugly as they paint it to be?

A summary of Wright's speeches can be found here.

Image source: AP file photo

The question: is Wright really the evil, anti-American force that certain members of the media will have us believe?

I don't think so. It's common for a minister or preacher to use strong language to capture the hearts and minds of their followers. The "shock value" in his words becomes an important tool in attracting the attention of the masses.
It's the same reason so many people listened to Howard Stern, regardless of whether they liked or hated him. His shenanigans had so much shock value, people couldn't tear themselves away.

I also find it interesting that the media seems to have forgotten all about Obama's affiliation with yet another "shocking" minister...

Image source: NYTimes Online

As a white guy I know I don't have much say, but I think Sharpton is much worse. At least Wright seems to care about his people, not just his own personal agenda. The media? All day long they discuss the Obama-Wright connection, but I didn't hear or see anything on the cable news networks about Obama-Sharpton. Only when I Googled the two did I finally find some articles.

Moving on to the question of patriotism. Conservative pundits say Jeremiah Wright is unpatriotic and that so is Obama for not distancing himself "far enough" from Wright. But I ask you... is it unpatriotic to question the state of the nation in which we live?

All things considered, with the global situation today you cannot be a patriot and quietly support our looming downfall. The true patriot today is one who does not accept the actions of the current administration. The true patriot will not sit by and watch this nation sign it's own death warrant. The anti-patriot sees the U.S. and the world as two separate entities, who must be in competition. He doesn't ask why or how, only follows blindly. This apathy by those who consider themselves patriots gives the current administration license to kill.

So I ask you again... is it unpatriotic to question the state of the nation in which we live?

If you live in the world as a whole, you just can't help but say... God. Damn. America.

Life in a (shell)

2008-03-19T15:28:00.014-04:00

This article talks about closed communities. The example used is not intended to offend any group or theology and the names used herein are monikers.

Allow me to recount my experience with an orthodox Jewish girl from my days at Baruch College. This girl (let’s call her Hindy) had been in Hebrew school all her life, had only orthodox friends, watched/listened/read exclusively Jewish media.

It was both of our first semester at college and, for her, the first time out from the (shell). We had history class together; Early Modern Europe 1517- 1715. I found the course very interesting, but Hindy was distraught. She was absolutely torn between her traditional teachings and what the Indian professor was telling her. It was obvious that Hindy could no longer brush off one truth and settle for another… they had both come to occupy the same space. Every class I could see little bits of the girl fall away as new bits and pieces took their place.

We didn’t keep in touch afterwards, so I don’t know if she came to terms with the paradigm that her life became. I do know, however, that she can never go back to the bliss of ignorance. Once we have tasted the sweetness of the forbidden fruit, we can never go back.

A few years later, while at Kingsborough College, I had an experience with another member of the Hasidim. His name was Josh and he was longing for an escape. It was clear that Josh was a good guy; open, honest and interested in what you have to say. Nobody minded him hanging out with our little mixed-racial group, but he was still unable to fit. His indoctrination within a closed society left him with a single set of behavioral mannerisms and social queues. Simply, he was unable to adapt to the way we talked, acted… the way we just were. So, even though we welcomed Josh, his (shell) prevented him from transgressing into a newfound world.

Plato’s Parable of the Cave gives an all-too-clear example of how this system insulates itself. In Plato’s Cave, the man who sees the truth is the minority. Attempts to explain this to the ignorant majority are seen as a threat to their private utopia. The visionary is then put to death, in order to preserve the established view (in statu quo res erant ante bellum).

Image source: Plato's Allegory of the Cave

There are no solid truths. Anything and everything we know is fluid; can be melted and molded based upon the crucible in which it’s placed. The “new mentality” accepts and affirms the possibility of multiple truths co-existing. Individuals indoctrinated in only one truth are at a loss, which causes further withdrawal and disconnect, which causes the illusion of persecution, which is responsible for so many bloody culture wars.

Do expensive wines really taste better?

2008-03-18T12:22:00.006-04:00

Ever wonder how marketing gets people to buy cheap pieces of shit for outrageous amounts? (iPhone ring a bell?)

I'm sure that by now most of you have heard of the recent study, which looked at the relationship between wine prices and preference. The conclusion: Wines with a higher price tag taste better.

If you've watched Gary Vaynerchuk's Wine Library TV then you know it's not always the case.

So where does it all go wrong? Is it:

A. Unconscious - A veritable placebo effect really causes expensive wines to taste better.
OR
B. Conscious - We know the wine is crap, but don't want to seem oafish in front of our peers so we fulfill the social expectation at hand.

I would assume that in a lab setting, scenario B is less likely. However, not many details are given: Were the respondents all strangers to each other? Were the responses written or verbal? Was the study done on a group or individual basis? Anonymous participants? Etc.

Further research is needed to distinguish between both possible causes. It's cool that the study focused on novice winos, who are the primary consumer, and not wine enthusiasts. The results are certainly interesting and provide food for thought, even though they are not very valid.

Spitzer and Clinton: What about the wives?

2008-03-17T13:09:00.006-04:00

My biggest problem with all the media coverage around these and similar events is that they completely ignore the needs and feelings of the wives. When I turned on the news after the recent Spitzer prostitution scandal, all these pundits (many of them female) were asking “How can she stand by him after that?” During the Clinton scandal, the same was said of Hillary.

Do these people ever stop to consider that maybe they’re obligated to stand by their fallen men?? That maybe they don’t want to stand up there in front of the world and let their stoic expressions say “I forgive him.”

Image source: http://www.nationalpost.com

Look at Spitzer's wife in the photo. Do you see forgiveness in her eyes? I sure as hell don't.

Hillary stood by in much the same way, only after 10 years did she finally reveal her pain.

Regardless of what the women actually want to do, what they're made to do creates a much bigger problem.

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t this send out a terrible message to the female audience? To see these women, so privileged and powerful, standing next to their cheater husbands and not shedding a tear or a hostile expression; nothing but a look of solemn disconnect.

I don’t think that women should be subjugated. Making women believe that they need to stand by their men, regardless of whether those men are good to them, is pure subjugation.

Sex Positive - It works!

2008-03-16T17:10:00.011-04:00

Lately I’ve been reading up on the whole Sex Positive movement. For those of you who are not familiar, Sex Positive is an open and progressive ideology about sex education and practice, which aims to cure ignorance and promote comfort with one’s own body and sexual identity (among other things).

Consider the following vignettes:

A. Two people have their fun as young individuals, and later on meet and settle down because they feel ready and compatible.

B. Two people refrain from engaging in sex while they are young individuals due to social/family/peer stigmas. They settle down with their first love and start raising a family.

Remembering back to my middle school sex-ed class really puts things in perspective. Back then the program basically tried to scare you shitless. They talked all about disease and how terrible the effects are… and pregnancy. Did you see that fuckin’ video?!? - “The Miracle of Life,” or something to that effect. Sure I can appreciate it now as an adult, but as a group of 12 year-old kids it made us sick. And, I can tell you from the look on the girls’ faces… sex suddenly stopped being interesting.

So, what’s the problem with that?

Well… the assumption is that by holding off sex until you settle down with someone you love promotes monogamy and makes it more likely the marriage will work.

Bullshit!

Whether in the quarter-life or mid-life, most of us go through an “exploration” phase. So looking back to the above vignettes - what do you think makes it more likely a relationship sticks?

I think the answer is obvious. Whereas the first couple will be more prepared to deal with temptation from media and other people, the second couple may succumb to it. As the second couple gets older they can break free from the restraints of their community, which were so tight while they were young. Seeing and hearing about others indulging in the life they had shunned can cause a great deal of complex issues.

We have all seen the devastating turn that a mid-life crisis can take… ruining families in its wake. This is why Sex Positive is such a great thing… because when you’re married and have kids - it’s just too late to begin learning about sex.

Note: I’m sure people will say “It’s never too late to begin learning about sex!” Granted, technically it never is too late. But ethically, if it means ignoring obligations and commitments to your partner and/or children, then yes it’s too late (or should be).

The GAP disses Warhol

2008-03-15T21:58:00.013-04:00

I'm a big fan of both the man and the movement. So, when I went to check out the latest fashion at my local GAP branch - 'twas not the clothes that caught me eye.

Image source: GAP storefront in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

In the window are two famous Andy Warhol works: a self portrait and Judith Green (1964). The lighting and attributions in the bottom left corners of each window certainly create a museum like display. However (and this is what really gets me heated), they have their clothes covering it up!

I almost cannot be mad at The GAP, for they are a capitalistic enterprise and have their own agenda. But what of the Andy Warhol Foundation? Surely they would know better than to spit in the face of a dead man?

What made Andy Warhol remarkable was his uncanny ability to re-appropriate images into a new light. He made a career of taking images from media and advertising that we had become desensitized to, and forcing the them back into our conscious perception.

The Andy Warhol Foundation, who licenses his work and image for distribution, effectively reversed him and his work; have made him a commodity; have made his image insignificant in light of the colorful new clothes.

The Gap is not the first or the last example of this, but... it's still fucked up!

Let them have a piece of your mind!

Door to nowhere

2008-03-14T18:51:00.014-04:00

Miscalculation? Prank of the year? Whatever the reason, this one definitely puts a new spin on the old phrase "Can't get my foot in the door."

Image Source: Residence in Borough Park, Brooklyn

There's no other door, so unless it's inhabited by a bunch of Free-Runners...

Image source: http://media.www.lsureveille.com/media/storage/paper868/news/2007/03/15/Sports/Free-Falling-2776713.shtml

... I can't imagine what the purpose could be. I can only hope that there are no alcoholics or sleep-walkers living there.

Matisse's "Lilacs" - Chaos, Sex and Nazis

2008-03-13T16:24:00.010-04:00

So this one really caught my eye. I've been a fan of Henri Matisse for a long time, but it was my first encounter with this particular piece, "Lilacs" (1914). The interesting twist that separates this one from your typical still-life is that the artist has left small patches of the canvas seemingly blank.

Henri Matisse (1869-1954) - Lilacs (1914) Image source: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Now, Matisse was no lazy painter. And as I stand interlocked with the brush strokes, I realize that there was never a need to "complete" the painting. Matisse gives you just enough wiggle room to be a part of the work; to fill in the blank with your own mind. At the same time, he gives you just enough of a foundation that you cannot alter the actual object beyond the artist's own will. The areas in the flowers, the pipe and the figurine... all can be scrutinized and end up being culturally "colored" differently, but the fact remains that these will stay flowers, a pipe and a figurine. I have to say, a little existentialism always brightens my day!

I also noticed that Matisse provides the viewer with a scapegoat, in the form of the seated figure. The use of chaotic line and color variation creates an element of confusion and anxiety. In addition, there is dual directionality. This is caused first by the change of shade as it swoops in from the upper left, along the left side, and pointed by the pipe towards the bottom right. At the same time the broad expanse of flowers in the upper left condenses as your eye moves diagonally to the bottom right, culminating in a point (stem). This directs all of the chaos towards the figure, which is seated in a fashion symbolic of hopelessness and depression (and often used as such by his greatest rival, Picasso). The spear points in its back, inviting you to bestow your rage on whoever your mind paints into this space.

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) - The Blue Nude (1902) Image source: Reproduction print in my bedroom

Interesting that Matisse chose to use this painting for the 1937 exhibition in Berlin, which was jointly organized by the Nazis and French and excluded all foreign born and/or Jewish artists. Maybe he saw it coming, even back in 1914.

People say that you don't truly know something until you've experienced it. And as I look back one last time the Lilacs are like a parting gift, saying... "Thanks for the sex."