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