Oswald and Synchronicity A review of Adam Gorightly's The Prankster and the Conspiracy James Leroy Wilson April 26, 2011 http://partialobserver.com/article.cfm?id=3607 An old proverb says, "Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it." "The Prankster and the Conspiracy," Adam Gorightly's biography of Kerry Thornley, prompts a similar thought: "Be careful what you joke about: the joke may be on you." I ordered the book for a couple of reasons. The first was that I heard Gorightly interviewed in a few podcasts and he seems like an interesting fellow. A pen name like his should be rewarded. The second was to indulge my fascination with the nexus of individualist anarchism, neo-paganism, conspiracy theory, and synchro-mysticism. Kerry Thornley lived this nexus. Born in 1938, as a teenager he founded the religion Discordianism with friends. As a Marine, he befriended Lee Harvey Oswald, and, when Oswald defected to the Soviet Union, began writing a novel based on him. In the early 60's, they both lived in New Orleans and met some of the same people, though Thornley had no recollection of seeing him there. Thornley became an anarchist writer and free-loving, LSD-using neo-pagan. And then he was indicted by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison for involvement in the JFK assassination. After charges were dropped, he came across more information which triggered disturbing memories that suggested mind control and made him suspect Garrison was right after all. This drove him mad, and he spent much of the rest of his life in near hobo-like conditions, although he kept writing. He passed away in 1998. I didn't keep careful notes while reading, but Gorightly quotes either Thornley or one of his friends that, although the founders of Discordianism were essentially atheists or agnostics, it almost seemed as if the creation of the Discordian religion really did awaken the goddess of Chaos. Thornley's life was filled with strange coincidences, or synchronicities, as if Eris was directly intervening to make things strange. Another way to look at it, however, is that Thornley's life was an example of the Law of Attraction at work. The Law says that "like attracts like," or that the Universe will respond at a vibrational level to our thoughts and words -- even if they're stated in a supposedly sarcastic or humorous way. Gorightly doesn't discuss the Law of Attraction angle, which makes sense because "The Prankster" was published in 2003 and Law of Attraction ideas didn't become trendy again until 2006. But I couldn't help but think of the Law of Attraction while reading the book; as Thornley pulled off pranks, the Universe seemed to pull pranks on him: Thornley's Discordianism was a parody religion based on worship of Eris, the goddess of chaos, strife, and discord; there was rarely any structure, order, or steady income in Thornley's own life When sought out by the Warren Commission, Thornley joked to acquaintances that he masterminded the JFK assassination; he later began to believe that, as a subject of mind control, he was indeed involved With Discordian friends such as the writer Robert Anton Wilson, he pulled off pranks under the name Operation Mindf---: eventually, it was his own mind that got f---ed up Of course, all the coincidences connecting Thornley and the JFK assassination could just be "bad luck," being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps you don't believe this Law of Attraction stuff. Maybe you think your God punished Thornley for his unbelief. Or maybe you do believe in Eris. Or, maybe Thornleyactually was a JFK conspirator, with or without mind control. In any case, this book reminds me to be careful what I think about, what I say, and what I do. Even when I make jokes. Aside from these philosophical and mystical considerations, Gorightly's book provides an informative account of what life was like in the counterculture of the 60's and 70's. Thornley was a graduate of Robert Lefevre's Freedom School who opposed violence and The State. The "Far Left" and the counterculture wasn't just a bunch of young Democrats who didn't want to get drafted; it was full of people like Thornley who sought new ways of doing politics, new ways of practicing spirituality, and new ways of living. "The Prankster and the Conspiracy" is recommended for conspiracy buffs, people interested in libertarian history, and anyone who's fascinated by the strange and synchronistic. *** Marketing Gadget Tracks Brainwaves As You Watch TV Daniel La Ponsie 20 April, 2011 http://www.datelinezero.com/2011/04/20/marketing-gadget-tracks-brainwaves-as-you-watch-tv/ Instead of taking surveys online, marketing research now uses a mind-reading headband. The device is designed by San Francisco firm EmSense; it can sense your brainwaves as you have reactions to watching something and then record the data for researchers. The process of measuring your reaction to something is known as ‘quantitative neurometrics’ and it can be carried out as you watch a computer or television screen. Old fashioned research have become viewed as expensive and difficult, involving a lot of time and man-hours. It also could be inaccurate, as what someone says they feel while watching a commercial, and how one truly reacts while watching a commercial can be two separate things. EmSense is using modern technology to change all that. The EmBand works efficiently by detecting people’s positive or negative emotional response to a product or campaign and immediately sending that information to its clients in real time. According to The Escapist, Emsense said that more than 2,000 households have volunteered to receive EmBands and the company expects 25,000 more by the end of 2011. “The market research industry has long sought a solution to measure positive or negative emotion and consumer engagement in all forms of marketing stimuli, spanning advertising, packaging, creative concepts and the shopper experience,” said Keith Winter, president and CEO of EmSense Corporation. “Advances in neuroscience and electronics technology have opened the door to reliable measurement using EEG and other bio-sensory metrics.” Not only can the EmBand read your thoughts, but it also has accelerometers to track head movement which test distraction levels of respondents. This provides added data on whether or not someone is paying attention to the almighty glowing box or not. While this device is clearly efficient, which translates into money savings and accuracy in data collection, it also is being viewed as a little creepy. The words “clockwork orange” have been tossed into at least a few news articles already. For me, commercial culture doesn’t bother me at all. If private companies want to find a more efficient way to not waste my time with crap I am not interested in — that’s friggin’ fantastic. What does bother me, though, is what groups within the government would do with this sort of technology. No doubt, the government is paying attention. Hell, maybe EmSense is even working off a grant from Uncle Sam. Could this technology evolve from measuring brain activity into re-wiring how the brain works? DARPA is already working on mind-controlling devices, including “thought helmets” for members of the armed forces. So, ya, this technology is frightening … when in the wrong hands. *** The California Science Center http://www.californiasciencecenter.org Welcome to the California Science Center, the West Coast's largest hands-on science center! The Science Center's Mission We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives. See how we bring our mission to life: The California Science Center, named by Forbes.com as the most popular museum destination in Southern California, has received more than 18 million visitors since opening in February 1998. The Science Center provides a rare model for science learning by combining exhibits with an on-site Science Center School and Amgen Center for Science Learning as well as a teacher professional development program. An admission-free venue, the Science Center offers permanent and changing exhibits and related educational programming through several galleries spanning more than 400,000 sq. feet. World of Life, probes the commonalities of the living world, from the single-celled bacterium to the 100-trillion-celled human being; Creative World examines the ways people employ technology to meet their needs for transportation, communication and structures. The SKETCH Foundation Air and Space Gallery combines items owned by the Science Center and a stunning array of items on loan from the Smithsonian Institution to introduce visitors to the aerospace industry and to the exploration of the stars and the planets. In March of 2010, the Science Center opened Ecosystems. The major expansion nearly doubles the amount of exhibition space at the Science Center and features an unprecedented blend of live plants and animals, and hands-on science exhibits in 11 immersive environments—unique among science centers in the United States. From walking through a living kelp forest to experimenting on a polar ice wall, explorers investigate some of the Earth's most fascinating ecosystems. Guests experience exciting and innovative exhibits, including a 188,000-gallon kelp tank populated with live kelp, fish and other marine life; a desert flash flood; and a special gallery dedicated to the urban ecology of Los Angeles. Ecosystems occupies 45,000 square feet and features nearly 400 species of plants and animals. The experience empowers explorers with the science knowledge to become better stewards of the environment. The Science Center also features a non-profit, educationally focused IMAX Theater with a capacity to create images of exceptional clarity and impact through the use of the largest film frame in the motion picture industry. *** Mormon Transhumanist Association http://transfigurism.org What is the Mormon Transhumanist Association? The Mormon Transhumanist Association is an international nonprofit organization that promotes practical faith in human exaltation through charitable use of science and technology, as outlined in the Transhumanist Declaration and the Mormon Transhumanist Affirmation. We support discussion and public awareness of emerging technologies, defend the right of individuals in free and democratic societies to adopt technologies that expand human capacities, and anticipate and propose solutions for the potential consequences of emerging technologies. Although we are neither a religious organization nor affiliated with any religious organization, we support our members in their personal religious affiliations, and encourage them to adapt Transhumanism to their unique situations. What is the relation between Mormonism and Transhumanism? Increasingly, persons are recognizing parallels and complements between Mormon and Transhumanist views. On the one hand, Mormonism is a religious ideology of the Judeo-Christian tradition that advocates faith in God leading to salvation. On the other hand, Transhumanism is a mostly secular ideology that advocates ethical use of technology to extend human capabilities. However, Mormonism and Transhumanism advocate remarkably similar views of human nature and its future: material beings organized according to law, rapidly advancing knowledge and power, imminent fundamental changes to anatomy and environment, and eventual transcendence of present limitations. Resources available through this site provide details on the relation between Mormon and Transhumanist views. When was the Mormon Transhumanist Association organized? The 14 founding members of the Mormon Transhumanist Association began organizing on 3 March 2006 and adopted a constitution on 13 May 2006. We incorporated in Utah of the United States on 4 August 2006, and received 501c3 nonprofit status in the United States, effective the same date. We affiliated with Humanity+ (formerly the World Transhumanist Association) on 6 July 2006, remained affiliated until Humanity+ discontinued all affiliations on 6 April 2010, and renewed our affiliation with Humanity+ on 2 October 2010. Who are members of the Mormon Transhumanist Association? At the end of 2010, the Mormon Transhumanist Association consisted of 120 members, with approximately 40% living in Utah and 87% living in the United States. According to a survey in 2010, 77% of our members were also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the largest Mormon denomination) and 77% identified as theists. On cultural politics, 51% identified as progressive, 28% as moderate and 7% as conservative. On economic politics, 35% identified as conservative, 33% as moderate and 21% as progressive. All members of the association support the Transhumanist Declaration and the Mormon Transhumanist Affirmation. What does the Mormon Transhumanist Association do? The Mormon Transhumanist Association shares news and blogs about the intersection of Mormonism with science and technology and Transhumanism with religion and spirituality. We engage as a community in discussions and conferences about prophetic vision, scientific discovery, technological innovation, as well as opportunities and risks in our rapidly changing world. We also act with common purpose on team projects to cure disease, and extend and enhance life. How can I help the Mormon Transhumanist Association? Help the Mormon Transhumanist Association promote practical faith in human exaltation through charitable use of science and technology. Join the association and engage in online or offline discussions. Link your web site to ours. Start a blog on religion, science, spirituality or technology, and tell us about it. Attend a conference. Participate in a team project. Donate to the cause. Thank you! How can I contact the Mormon Transhumanist Association? You may contact us by email: admin@transfigurism.org You may also contact us by mail: Mormon Transhumanist Association 21 Quiet Meadow Lane Mapleton UT 84664 USA *** 10 Lost Cities Of The World These ancient wonders are well worth a visit, even in troubled times. Morgan Brennan http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-39274939 1. Petra, Jordan Country: Jordan Civilization: the Nabataeans Inhabited: sixth century B.C. This rose-colored city carved from cliffs garnered fame in the West thanks to the 1980s blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. 2. Chichen Itza, Mexico Country: Mexico Civilization: the Mayans Inhabited: 600 to 1000 A.D. Site of one of Mesoamerica's largest ball courts, this royal city is located near a massive underground cenote, or sinkhole, where the bodies of human sacrifices were dropped. 3. Derinkuyu Underground City, Turkey Country: Turkey Civilization: possibly the Phrygians Inhabited: Approximately eighth century B.C.to 10th century A.D. This underground network has more than 10 floors and room for up to 50,000 people, plus livestock. It is rumored to have been a hideout for early Christians escaping Roman persecution. 4. Machu Picchu, Peru Country: Peru Civilization: the Incas Inhabited: 15th and 16th centuries A.D. Conquistadors carrying small pox wiped out the inhabitants of this royal mountaintop fortress, but the Lost City of the Incas was never actually discovered by the Spanish--in fact, it wasn't discovered until 1911. 5. Angkor, Cambodia Country: Cambodia Civilization: the Khmer Empire Inhabited: ninth century to 15th century A.D. More than a thousand temples, including Angkor Wat, populate this long-time Khmer capital. It declined after a successful attack by invaders from what is now Thailand. 6. Pre-Roman Carthage, Tunisia Country: Tunisia Civilization: the Phoenicians Inhabited: 650 to 146 B.C. Carthage was home to the Roman Empire's arch-nemesis, Hannibal. It was burned and the earth salted during the final Punic War. 7. Pompeii, Italy Country: Italy Civilization: the Roman Empire Inhabited: seventh/sixth century B.C. to 79 A.D. Pompeii was a cultural center and vacation destination for Roman high society until it was destroyed in 79 A.D. by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Left behind are naturally ash-encased mummies. 8. Memphis, Egypt Country: Egypt Civilization: the Ancient Egyptians Inhabited: third millennium B.C. to seventh century A.D. Located at the mouth of the Nile delta, Memphis thrived for centures as a center of trade, commerce, religion and royalty. Foreign invasions, including one by Alexander the Great, let to its demise. 9. Teotihuacan, Mexico Country: Mexico Civilization: possibly the Totonac people Inhabited: 100 B.C. to 250 A.D. This city, the founders of which remain a mystery, is home to some of the largest pyramids in pre-Columbian America. It inspired several major empires, those of the Zapotec and Mayans. 10. Mosque City of Bagerhat, Bangladesh Country: Bangladesh Civilization: Khan Jahan Ali Inhabited: 15th century A.D. The city formerly known as Khalifatabad was founded by a Turkish general. It boasts more than 50 Islamic monuments and the Sixty Pillar Mosque, constructed with 60 pillars and 80 domes. *** Zero Water Buildings From Yahoo.com: In one of Seattle's most urban neighborhoods, a small elementary school is trying to wean itself off the city's water grid. The classroom toilet composts and treats waste on site rather than flushing it into city sewer pipes. Water washed down sinks doesn't flow into storm drains but recirculates to a 14-foot-high wall filled with plants, which will eventually soak it all up. For now, excess flows through the wall. Plenty of "green" buildings strive to generate as much energy as they use, but Bertschi School's new science building is one of dozens nationwide taking it a step further. They're attempting to unplug from the municipal water and sewer system to collect, recycle and reuse water and wastewater on site, a concept often referred to as net zero water. The U.S. Army has a goal for several installations to reach zero water, energy and waste use, and last week it designated Fort Riley in Kansas, Camp Rilea in Oregon and Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington, among others, to be net zero water. It also named other installations to strive for net zero use for energy and waste. This month, the University of Miami broke ground on a college dormitory that will reuse all water from showers, toilets and laundry for everything except drinking and cooking. With a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, researchers are developing an onsite system to convert wastewater into potable water while treating for pharmaceuticals and other contaminants. "Water is a looming issue after energy," said James Englehardt, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Miami who is spearheading the project. "Energy and water are intimately linked. We have plenty of water, but it takes a lot of energy to purify it." Despite Seattle's image as the land of plenty of rain, water conservation is a concern here because summer months can typically be dry. Proponents say the Seattle school project and others like it recognize water as a precious resource. Treating waste and runoff on site also means reducing the land, infrastructure, energy and chemicals needed to convey water to faucets and later to treat what flows down toilets and bathtubs. "People are recognizing the limitation of the planet and what's available," said Eden Brukman, vice president of the International Living Building Institute, which runs the "Living Building Challenge," considered the most rigorous green-building performance standards. In the U.S., two projects in Eureka, Mo., and Rhinebeck, N.Y., have been certified as living buildings... Urban buildings unplug from water grid Phuong Le, Associated Press Sun Apr 24, 2011 http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110424/ap_on_re_us/us_off_water_grid *** God Particle Found? From the Daily Mail: The world's largest atom smasher is rumoured to have found the Higgs boson, the subatomic particle otherwise known as the 'God particle'. The speculation is based on a leaked internal note, said to be from physicists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), a 17 mile-long particle accelerator near Geneva, Switzerland. The rumours started when an anonymous post disclosed part of the note on Columbia University mathematician Peter Woit's blog, Not Even Wrong. While some physicists are dismissing the note as a hoax, others say the find could be a huge particle physics breakthrough in understanding the workings of the universe. Physicist Sheldon Stone of Syracuse University said: 'If it were to be real, it would be really exciting.' The Higgs boson is predicted to exist by the particle physics theory known as the Standard Model. The Higgs boson, physicists believe, bestows mass on all the other particles and was crucial to forming the cosmos after the Big Bang. It has long eluded physicists who believe it could explain why objects have mass. Huge atom smashers — like the LHC and the Tevatron, at Fermilab in Illinois — have long been searching for the Higgs and other subatomic matter. These accelerators slam particles together at enormous speeds, generating a shower of other particles. The leaked note suggests that the LHC's ATLAS particle-detection experiment may have picked up a signature of the elusive Higgs... Mass hysteria! Science world buzzing over rumours the elusive 'God particle' has finally been found 25th April 2011 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1379844/Science-world-buzzing-rumours-elusive-God-particle-found.html *** Air Quality: From Honolulu to Los Angeles From Reuters: Honolulu and Santa Fe, New Mexico, are the U.S. cities with the best air quality, while Los Angeles and several others had the foulest, according to an American Lung Association report. While the nation's most smoggy cities all improved their air quality over the last year, half the nation's residents still live with unhealthy levels of air pollution, added the report, released on Wednesday. The "State of the Air 2011" report concluded that the U.S. Clean Air Act, the federal law aimed at limited pollution in U.S. Skies, is working... The worst three for ozone pollution were Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Visalia, all in California. Bakersfield and fellow California city Fresno, along with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had the most short-term particle pollution, while Bakersfield, Los Angeles and Phoenix had the worst year-round particle pollution. Honolulu has best air in U.S., Los Angeles and others the worst: report Thu Apr 28, 2011 http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/28/uk-us-air-idUSLNE73R02Z20110428