A scientist explores the world through fiction, and perhaps non-fiction, too.
A Cylon contemplates his existence as he lays dying on the Galactica. Pretty much Battlestar Galactica fanfiction in the style of Haruki Murakami. WARNING: SEXUAL CONTENT.
Recently, I've been reading The Hydrogen Sonata, by Iain M. Banks. Banks, unfortunately deceased, was a huge inspiration to me, activating those special science-fiction loving neurons of mine and taking my imagination far beyond the realm of the possible. I won't bore you with details about his work, but they sprang from a fearsome mind, eager… Continue reading Comparing Yourself to Others
Go to any bookstore or check the millions of blogs out there and you'll find a significant percentage that claim to help you reset your life, find success, or become a superhero. Invariably, they'll start with a long spiel about the author's CV which ends with them finding their passion and making money by telling… Continue reading I Will Teach You to Work
One thing about having giant student loans is how helpless you feel. You see a giant money sink crushing your hopes and dreams beneath its current. All sweat and tears go to feeding that behemoth. No wonder Dave Ramsey and the financial independence blogs urge us to kill it immediately. No wonder people my age… Continue reading Resentment
January is a dreary month. Not just because of the frigid weather, but because I always vow to do better with money. Some things stick. Some don't. It's also a month of bills. Car insurance payments and incessant reminders about tax time, on top of the rent, loans, and Internet. I also admit the plummeting… Continue reading Thinking About Money
Boredom. The bane of modern existence. It is the trigger for relapse. It can also be extreme enough that it is a sign of depression. With few exceptions, the hyper-technological, air-conditioned, screenbound world we live in bores us to tears. All basic needs are met. No longer is the imperative survival and procreation, by self-fulfillment.… Continue reading Boredom
Would life really be better if everyone thought like a scientist? I don't know and I am uncertain. That's the mark of a scientist. We realize what we don't know and we pursue matters so that we are more certain. But we acknowledge and live with uncertainty. An unyielding curiosity and willingness to see the… Continue reading Thinking like a Scientist
The Epicureans say the highest good is happiness. Thomas Jefferson enshrined the right to pursue happiness in US law. Our society considers happiness the ultimate goal for every citizen. Think about the messages we receive. Prescription drug ads that promise perfect health. Sponsored posts on Facebook the one little secret that will make you seven… Continue reading Risk Factor: The Pursuit of Happiness
Actionable summary: Know what is in your control and not in your control. Pursue wisdom, justice, temperance and courage. We can do anything we want to do. At least, that's what we're taught by schools, the government, the media, and our parents. And it is an inspirational message. It is also a useless one. As… Continue reading Why Stoicism?
Musings and books from a grunty overthinker
I read, I write, I sketch. For fun.
Smidgens
Just your average PhD student using the internet to enhance their CV
Boldly writing fun Science Fiction and Fantasy. chofsetz.com & hofsetz.com.
Showcasing weird movies, toys, games, art, and more!
Through a glass, snarkly...
Just another WordPress.com site
Honest. Satirical. Observations.
Just another food blog
(aka Random and occasionally interesting ramblings of a valspeaking, lifelong wannabe, INTJ, Jupitan who pretty much lives in a cave, observing the rest of the world)
Long live stories!
Taking over the world and leaving it ruthlessly alone
The musings of a Londoner, now living in Norfolk
Virtual Book Tours & Book Review Blog
This is the beginning of the beginning
A Superpowered Web Serial - Updates Twice Weekly
What if you spent every day looking for One Beautiful Thing?
Using culture and thought to give meaning to our lives
