Schrödinger's cat ... two cats in one!

"Schrödinger's Cat" is a thought experiment created by a dazzlingly bored mind (at least that's how I imagine it) to prove an observer is required to know the actual state of something--in this case, whether or not a cat is alive. The setup is simple: a closed box, a healthy cat, and a flask of poison attached to a hammer (in such a way to absolutely ensure the hammer would break the flask). The question he proposed was simply, "Is the cat alive or dead?" The implication being that the aliveness of the cat cannot be determined until the box is opened and the cat observed.

Cat on a tank? What could go wrong?

I raise this point because we face a lot of uncertainties in life which are only problems when we get philosophical about it. "Does a tree falling in a forest make a sound, if nobody is around to hear it?" Of course it does. Is Schrödinger's cat dead? Yup, as a door nail. Checking only verifies the fact. We make these questions hard by thinking too deeply about them. Ask any child, and you'll get the simple truths. Many considered and tough questions are answered just as easily.

My favorite riddle is this old classic: "What can you sit on, sleep on, and brush your teeth with?"

* * * * *

"A chair, a bed, and a toothbrush."

Before you fry your brain with impossible complexities, try slouching back and seeking the easiest solution. Even a spaceship needs a simple push--though it's a mind-boggling sequence of controlled explosions doing it. Life is so much better when we stop doing everything the hard way. Just don't go flying rockets with helium and good wishes, because that won't work.

- M

Why do we cherish stories? Why do we seek them out, in all their forms?

Why do stories represent a lasting form, created at the dawn of time and continuing into the future? What is it about stories that we don't get from life? Why do we beg crazy uncles to tell us the story of the fishing trip? Why do children love bedtime stories? Why can a simple tale cause deep emotion--sometimes so profound it heals wounds and redeems the soul? What do stories hide between their words?

Humans yearn for connections between other similar people, but we also wish for experiences beyond our own. Stories provide both. Have you ever dreamed of being in space? Find a story about astronauts and experience it. Craving the yearning joy of long lost lovers returning to each other? Grab a book and dive in. Stories trigger every part within us, plucking our heartstrings and dazzling our senses. They provide information, give advice, surge our adrenalin and furnish many people with jobs and careers.

I believe stories are much more than the events they contain. Stories are how we discover the world we won't--or can't--ever see ourselves. Without stories, we live in a very small place indeed. Also, stories provide escape, to fantastical worlds and impossible situations. The imagination of others is spectacular, giving without ceasing in its variety. I will always love stories, whatever medium they use.

Naturally, stories don't have to be books, but I've always preferred them.

- M

Protect the innocent among us

I believe we all have a powerful desire to protect the helpless, weak, and small. Even if we ignore the feeling, it's ingrained inside us. We love rooting for the downtrodden, the underdogs, and the undeserving--especially in sports. Sometimes we can't simply stand on the sidelines and cheer; we must get up and get involved. One example is when we see someone being bullied. It's a difficult circumstance to find yourself in, with lots of dangerous possibilities, and you must make a choice about what to do.

Inserting yourself into the lives of others isn't a thing to be taken lightly. We want to protect, yet face problems from the very act of protection itself. Sometimes the consequences can be severe indeed. In modern society we tend toward not getting involved, particularly when it's uncomfortable or consequential. The television show "What Would You Do?" is popular in the United States, which takes the "Candid Camera" concept and applies it to situations we all might find ourselves facing. It's heart warming to see how most people actually will do the right thing, despite the pressures applied. When the television cameras are revealed, there's not just a sense of relief, but satisfaction and pride.

Don't give up on us. Sure, there's bad people abounding in our societies, but there are also plenty of good people to tip the balance well into the favor of the kind and generous. Yes, there is evil. There is also good. And good wins out in the end. Never forget that.

- M

Swim like a fish and drift like a jellyfish

Swimming is something I've done most of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of swimming in public pools (either that, or I'm imagining things, which is completely possible). Besides being marvelous exercise, getting in the water and thrashing around is great for your overall life. Think about it ... water comprises the majority of your own body, so you should really get to know it. Also, you can sink and swim underwater, enjoying the wonders of being weightless.

On the other hand, you can lay back and float on the surface--totally easy in salt water by the way. I think jellyfish have a great idea, drifting with the current to wherever things lead. Although, you won't get anywhere you want to go if you do that, so don't take any life lessons from jellyfish. It's really comfortable though, and I'm amazed how easy you can float in the ocean.

Aside from the obvious quality of cooling you down, why do we enjoy swimming so much? For me, it's because I'm relatively weightless and so my terrible knees don't bother me in the water. Water is a mystery as well, since we really only see what's on the surface and the worlds below are hidden. I've been in submersibles, and I can only imagine life in the depths. Maybe that's why sailors have historically told tall tales of sea creatures? Water is life, wonder, and mystery. Amazing.

- M

Beating the inevitable ending.

Stories end, that's the nature of them. At some point, the final period goes on the last page. Then, it's over. Funny how sad it is to finish a story, yet how exhilarating at the same time. There's always the choice of what to pick next. No matter if you're creating the story, or simply enjoying one, the thrill of encountering something fresh is wonderful.

I find myself reading not only many books at once, but various genres, and styles. Shakespeare and Tolkien don't necessarily mix, but it's sure fun to try. At the least, exposing yourself to lots of variety keeps you flexible. I think too many people stick with only what they know they like and never experiment at all. Give it a try--who knows, you may discover a new love.

Life is like that too. Sure, there's an inevitable end, but why focus on that? Try new things. Like some. Hate some. Love some. Sure, life isn't a story, but it's far more rewarding in the end. Hokeyness aside, give your life variety wherever you can. I suggest reading a lot more...

- M

Guessing the future ...

In the ancient story of Homer's "Odyssey," the Sirens tempt our hero not with sensuality, but with knowledge of the future. It's so enticing that sailors would destroy their ships in their lust to hear the predictions. Yes, it's an incredibly alluring thought. Suppose we could actually know the future? Then what? I doubt the knowledge would be as comforting as the Siren's song suggests. Truly, the future is a whimsical mystery.

This got me thinking--always a fun exercise--and I wondered how our lives would change if we stopped caring about the future? To be honest, I don't like what I came up with. Living in the moment is all well and good, but without planning we'd all be eating cotton candy and dancing on countertops. How would anyone travel across the country, if they only dwelt in the now? Nothing would ever get done, if it demanded sweeping plans and dreams.

It's all about balance. We should be aware of the past, concerned for the present, and plan for the future. Actually, that would be a good t-shirt. Maybe I should design slogans? Hmm. Or, greeting cards. Anyway, I pray you all have bright futures, are happy in the now, and learn from your past. Life is truly what you make of it, and don't listen to the Siren's call ... it will only lead to ruin.

- M

A nice, hot, cup of tea solves any problem or boo boo.

The British love their tea, and for good reason: tea heals and comforts, soothes and relaxes, quenches both thirst and passion. A nice hot cup of tea makes any family intrusion welcome. Many cultures use tea customs for negotiation and peace. Tea is better than coffee!

Food is a source of many comforts, creativity, and challenge. It's interesting how a basic necessity of life can have such variety. I mean, oxygen is needed, but there's only one sort. Sleep is essential, yet there's not much else you can do but go unconscious. What makes tea so special, is how we turn the requirement of hydration into an experience which passes into art and bliss. Tea is even healthy, unlike nasty smelling coffee.

I think we use tea (and, reluctantly, coffee) to glue together the connections between us. The aroma softens hardships dividing us, the taste loosens the tongue, and the warmth lifts the spirits. Tea is a miracle beverage! If we all could just drink a bit more tea, then the world would not only be a better place, but it would thrive. Can you imagine how few crimes there'd be, if we all could sit down and share a cup of tea? Beyond imagination...

- M

Can story characters really provide role models?

We search for role models everywhere, but particularly from people we have connections with--family, friends, celebrities, and so on. Another source is from stories we experience, be they movies or books or oral tellings. In the ancient past, stories were the main method used to pass along models of behavior. There's a word describing the role models in these tales--we call them "paragons," because they idealize the virtues expressed. These still remain in modern stories, though they are far less perfect and bear obvious faults.

King Arthur in Disney's "The Sword in the Stone"

Why bother with role models? Why celebrate certain qualities? It's the same reason we give medals to brave soldiers, or accolades to incredible deeds of heroism, or Nobel awards to scientists who create lifesaving vaccines. Role models demonstrate the qualities we most want to possess. It's only natural to feature them in widespread stories. Of course, the trouble is how to make paragons sympathetic, as well as threatened, since their very nature is to be superhuman?

I believe the modern incarnation of role models being deeply flawed is swinging the pendulum too far. Sure, it's hard to accept a perfect human, but it's also just as implausible that everyone is a slimeball. What we need are examples to follow, human enough to believe, yet above the reach of most. Paragons give us hope, show us that we can be better, and even inside stories they still inspire. In the end, that's the biggest part ... examples to follow.

- M

Sleep my pretty! And, dream of lollipop rainbows...

I don't remember most of my dreams. I know some people do, and that you can train yourself to do so, but I'm fine with letting those nighttime wanderings remain a mystery. There is the thought that some genius ideas float away with wakefulness, though I highly doubt they really are as wonderful as my unconscious mind believes--I have written some down and then wish I hadn't ... they were terrible. Dreams can be a whole lot of fun though, especially when you take control and gallop along with an imagination free from all restraint.

The human body apparently requires dreaming for full rest. So far as I can determine, science still hasn't figured out exactly what the REM state of sleep does for us--experiments have demonstrated people become very messed up without it. It's been theorized the brain sorts the previous day's memories at this time and basically trims the fat and keeps the important stuff. Maybe. Personally, I bet it's a lot more complicated than that, and most likely involves the brain performing maintenance activities not possible during wakefulness.

Whatever the mechanics of dreaming, I'm glad we can do it. Our imaginations are given free reign during sleep. We create vast worlds, do incredible things, and don't worry about the consequences of anything at all. It's very freeing. Well, at least when dreams are nice and fun (nightmares not so much, so I'll just ignore those). Dreams demonstrate how we never truly lose our imaginations, no matter how stuffy and grown up we become. Just go with it. Let your dreams bear you away to lands beyond time and space!

- M

Do these slippers make me look old?

I've gone without slippers for most of my life. So, how is it that in the last couple of years I have completely turned the bend and wear slippers all the time? Sure, I don't like getting my feet dirty, but why wear them when we have carpet? Maybe I should get an old worn-out cardigan sweater and stumble around with my cane, to complete the image? Only old people wear slippers. Well, I used to think that anyway.

Funny how life changes you in unexpected ways. I remember my father walking around with black slippers, that looked like otters to me. It seemed he was a hundred years old, and those slippers were my associated image. Another image is him hunkered over his amateur radio set (which is not very amateur at all, and is more like a dedicated professional hobby), talking with people from Australia, Taiwan, and Poland. He was always fixing things around the house, learning new skills, and teaching me all the time--though I hardly realized it then.

I wonder how many other things I've taken from my father's many examples? He's always been there for me, no matter how badly I messed up. He never gained a sense of fashion, so I guess I should blame him for that too. Yet, it's the simple things that really matter. Like these slippers I'm wearing now ... they aren't otters, but maybe they're related ...

Do these make me look old? No. But, I hope I can look like my father.

- M

Sometimes I just want to turn off my brain and enjoy a good action film.

In movies there are "summer blockbusters" or so-called "popcorn movies" which are fun, action-filled, films with flimsy plots and lots of grunting. They are pure escapism. If you try to dissect the story, or search for hidden meanings, you'll end up either very disappointed or aggressively confused.

Goofy blockbuster movies are fun, mindless, entertainment which may or may not have actual depth to their stories. Why demean this form of enjoyment? I sure have in the past, but my best friends taught me not to be so stubborn and judgmental. Due to those lessons, I hope I've become a much better man and kinder and nobler and more magnificent and wonderful and all around a fantastic kinda guy!

See what dumb action movies can do for you? It's miraculous!

- M

Seriously though, there's no need to disregard the silly or absurd. There's great value in being goofy. Comedy dwells in the realm of the curious. Children's tales are filled with the fantastic. And wisdom comes from all quarters. It's only the truly foolish who ignore everything.

Hot potato, hot potato, whoops.

Do you enjoy games? I sure do. Be they computer games, board games, puzzles, mysteries, or anything else I can find. Imaginative games are especially fun, although I do love good strategy too. Kids and adults treat games differently, sometimes wildly so, especially in regards to victory. Children mainly want to understand how to play, have fun, and perhaps win. Adults are either completely apathetic to it (playing only because their kids want to) or savagely competitive.

Why do we change the way we play? Does maturity temper fun? Do we need to be "adult" even in the games we enjoy?

image credit

I've watched my wife play gams, and am astounded by the way she can totally enjoy herself no matter the game or how well she's doing in it. I do my best to emulate her, but find I'm way too competitive to pretend for very long. Games should be fun, otherwise why bother to play? Actually, games teach good sportsmanship, both in winning and losing. Games are like pretend wars, without the threat of death and harm. Pretty amazing for a game, isn't it? So, why fight so hard to win?

Try playing a game just for fun. Try to win, sure, but don't let it consume you. Maybe there's a bit of child in us all, yearning to have a bit of fun without the worries of adulthood. Take it like a vacation... a vacation from your problems.

- M

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

Today, I thank all the fallen, and lift up their loved ones in prayer for enduring grace in the midst of loss. I thank the currently serving, and pray they come home safely and well. I thank those who are yet to serve, that they may have hope for a bright tomorrow. Because of you, we live in a nation founded upon the ideas of individual liberty and freedom. May God bless America!

- M

Comic books aren't only for children. Adults love them too.

I love comic books. They tell stories which are difficult to tell in any other medium--a kind of blending between novels, movies and soap operas. Comics also have the amazing quality of visually showing the action, while also delving into the minds of the actors. The artwork often rises to truly incredible quality, and the writing is frequently first rate. The biggest feature of comic books is how they tell an ongoing story, where acts and behavior have real consequences and alter their worlds. It's fascinating to watch, and even better to experience.

When we're little, we tell basic stories of adventure and fantasy. We watch crazy cartoons about talking animals and robotic time-travelers. Then, we move to deeper and more intelligent stories. I think it's only natural to combine the real and unreal in magazine format, with pictures and dialogue. Comic books satisfy visual artwork and intellectual story, without compromising either. Yes, movies can do the same, but they can't express inner thoughts and narrative as simply and elegantly as comic books.

I've never understood why comics are frowned on, as though they weren't proper stories, or are beneath the notice of adults. Sure, they're ridiculous and overblown, have huge casts of characters and too many plots, yet they remain popular vehicles for storytelling. It's fascinating to find comics all around the world. I think they deserve higher respect in the world of stories, and definitely should be given more credit than they currently have (although with the Marvel movies, comics are seeing a definite resurgence).

- M