Random Knowledge

A New OutLook

2011-03-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog I was determined to learn as much about the world as possible and then present it to any person who has the same desire, but presenting such specific information is quit cumbersome. I think the blog should reflect the attitude I have about learning; Fun. I shouldn't be tied down because I am not an english major to perfect not only grammar but word usage. (Although I understand it can be annoying and be a deterrent) So, I just want it to be an enjoyable process that people who come here not only have a decent time while leaning something but comment freely so that I can build upon what I know.

Can a Theory Become a Law?

2010-10-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

No, a theory and a law have two separate agendas and are not directly connected as most people believe.

The first problem within scientific understanding is the misunderstanding of the word theory. In common usage we refer to theory as a guess or conjecture, however, that is a slightly wrong outlook when applied to scientific theory. A theory explains why things are the way they are.

I found a good definition for it use-

"a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact" (dictionary.reference.)

That means that a theory is still a "guess", but one based on facts. So, here is the kicker. There is NOTHING above a theory. A theory is what you ultimately strive for when it comes to explaining things.

A law on the other hand describes the universe. Lets take a example:

First lets take Boyle's Law- (Wiki Definition)

is one of many gas laws and a special case of the ideal gas law. Boyle's law describes the inversely proportional relationship between the absolute pressure and volume of a gas, if the temperature is kept constant within a closed system.

Boyle's law describes and observation of a explicit event however it does not conclude the explanation for why it happens.

So, in essence, they both can work together to give a complete understanding, but a theory is NOT a unproven law. Its a very important concept to grasp whilst arguing idea changers such as evolution. It is a true statement to say that evolution is a/only a theory, but in most cases people are referring to the common usage and that is not right.

Theory- Explanation based on facts and it can be proven wrong however it is our best understanding for the why.

A theory cannot become a law nor a law a theory

Who are the Aboriginal People?

2010-10-27T13:35:00.000-07:00

Aboriginal people are the indigenous people, with a small population, of Australia. They resemble the Native Americans in their lifestyles of groups and spirituality and passing down of stories. Although they were given full citizen rights in 1967, they still fight for more rights to this day through the Aborigines League (AAL) and the Aborigines' Progressive Association (APA). These organization have a long history of civil rights issues that date back to the 1920's and as far as I have read they have not reached a solid state of government intervention to be comfortable.

I found some great articles on them for more information. Please visit the links below-

AustraliaBlog
Apex

What does Closed Captioned mean?

2010-10-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

The subtle little phrase that flashes for everyone before most television and movie shows is easily overlooked and lost out of mind for a lot of viewers. So, for those of you who have overlooked this simplistic item a lot of people have come to rely on; Closed Captioned means that any one with a hearing disability can access video programs with on screen text correlating with the speech of the show.

List of Parkinsons Disease Symptoms

2010-10-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

Following is a list of PD symptoms in no particular order; it’s a rough outline for you to get a tad acquainted with PD.

1. Leaning forward or stooped poster

2. The PD "Mask" (Loss of some facial expression)

3. Fatigue

4. Slurred speech

5. Softening of speech

6. Difficulty swallowing

7. Sexual dysfunction

8. Cramping

9. Drooling

10. Tremors whilst body or muscle is at rest

11. Bradykinesia- Trouble starting motions and sudden stops in motion

12. Balance and coordination are compromised

I was turned on to the disease while reading Michael J Fox's book "Always Looking Up" along with "Lucky Man; A Mermoir".

Élan Vital- The Force of Life

2010-10-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

The term was coined by the French philosopher Henri Bergson, and at its roots was an attempt to understand the selections of lifeless objects and those of having an essence of life. Bergson thought that if by discovering and manipulating the Élan Vital and presenting an inanimate object with it along with an electric current, life might be possible. Alas, simple ignorance of anatomy to infinitesimal protons and neutrons is firstly a problem of any time period but one that must be gone through to slowly pick at the truth of the universe. Plus, to make matters worse, do we really know what makes us alive?

Also Mary Shelley's used vitalism ( Élan Vital would be the "life spark" and vitalism would be the doctrine to understand it) in her The Night that Birthed Frankenstein among other of her famous novels.

Milk is a Food

2010-07-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

As always political outreach can change horizons beyond what most people would deem possible. As the tomato is considered a vegetable according to the U.S government (in accordance with laws regulating goods) , however, "scientifically" it is considered a fruit. It would not end there, of course, for furthermore the culinary arts use a tomato as a vegetable whilst cooking. So, its not hard or inconceivable to have a substance such as milk misplaced in the minds of a common man.

(Source Rep. By Clicking)

Why is the Tomato a Fruit-

Go ahead and check out this question from Oxford Dictionary

Is a tomato a fruit or vegetable?

Why is Milk a Food

Go ahead and check out this excerpt from InfoPlease

Milk, Food

Word of the Week "Paragon"

2010-06-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

My Use

-Well this has quickly become one of my favorite words for it lets you take a specific entity and put it atop everything else in its category. With that it lends a hand in giving a nice complement to the topic.

Paragon- in short, paragon, is the model for excellence.

"My grandmothers cooking is and always will be a paragon of flavors waiting anxiously for my return to once again devour it."

Abacus and the Abacist- How to use an Abacus

2010-06-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

Most people, I hope, have seen a picture of an Abacus or (more likely) someone using it (an Abacist). It, the abacus, is a "counting frame" used in parts of Asia to calculate arithmetic quantities. Here I would like to stay within the confines of elementary arithmetics, for its the main use of the abacus and its uses in theory are beyond what I have read or know. Plus, I wanted more visual aid then text and picture so we are going to make use of videos.

First lets see what an Abacus is.....

(Source represented by clicking picture)

Next this video will show you what an abacus is, the difference of the soroban, and a structural overview.

This next video will give you a little more historical background and it will get into how to read and use it.

This next video is simply a fun visualization of someone who has mastered the abacus. (to anyone that has been in awe at a rubix cube master has certainly in need of seeing someone who is a abacus master)

Link to Speed Abacus

Are the Black Bits in Bananas Tarantula Eggs?

2010-06-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

If its one thing to learn from this myth is that comedic film can be misleading at times. The show "The Mighty Boosh" features two characters Vince Noir and Howard Moon who while working at a zoo have some very funny irregular adventures.

Vince Noir: Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard... Howard?

Howard Moon: This better be good.

Vince Noir: You know the black bits in bananas, are they tarantulas' eggs?

Howard Moon: Please don't speak to me ever again in your life.

Now, if your still curious to the answer, its no.

Also, the "bits" are the banana's seeds rather than an egg of an arachnid.

Word of the Week "Lethologica"

2010-06-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone, at least to my knowledge, has felt the sensation of having a word on the tip of their tongue and against all attempts cannot remember it. This state of being is referred to as; Lethologica.

Now you have another word that you can forgot in the instant you cannot remember another.

"Source represented by clicking picture"

I must add here something I learned by a linguist who I more than admire, Michel Thomas. (If you happen to be wanting to learn a new language I strongly encourage to to check his audio series out.) I later put it into my own words and kept it in my own life.

What you know is stored in memory and is knowledge; As such, there is no reason to worry about forgetting.

The Drake Equation

2010-03-07T15:30:00.000-08:00

The Drake Equation's premise is to calculate the possibility of extraterrestrials in our galaxy (the Milky Way). Founded by our dear Dr. Donald Drake he uses the following formula to derive the probabilities. It cannot be exact, however, to us as humans it may be the best or one of the best plausible derivatives we can come up with (when speaking of potential civilized extraterrestrials),

(source link represented by clicking picture)

N = Civilizations within our galaxy that we may be able to communicate with

R* = Star formations rate

f_p = The fraction of R*'s stars that have planets.

n_e = Average number of planets that could support life according to each star that has planets.

f_l = Fraction of the above that has the possibility to support life.

f_i = Fraction of the above that can create intelligent life

f_c = Fraction of the above that are technically advanced enough for us to find evidence of them in space. (radio waves etc......)

L = Length of time to detect the above technology from the planet.

400 billion x 1/4 x 2 x 1/2 x 1/10 x 1/10 x 1/ 100 million = about 10 civilizations we can communicate with.

(The math above represents that civilizations with technology are only lasting a few decades. Below is another representation if civilized worlds where to be able to prosper millions of years.) 400 billion x 1/4 x 2 x 1/2 x 1/10 x 1/10 x 1/ 100 = about a million civilizations we can communicate with.

Carl Sagan's Flat Land- The 4th Dimension

2010-03-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

As a huge fan of watching Carl Sagan I suggest to everyone to take a look at the video below to better comprehend the fourth dimension. (Whilst traveling from "flat land") Sagan also describes shapes as seen through the fourth dimension (or shadows of what they would be like) as the hypercube and its tesseract.

I might add that the specific problem with us not being able to see the fourth dimension from not being able to comprehend it, is not the only variable or hindrance. Variables can range from physical perception (eyes, brain) to assimilated perception (we perceive the dimension differently through our lifetime.) to relative perception (where we are when we perceive.) I can go on much further, however, I have no formal degree in the subject.

(Please read the last paragraph with the understanding that is the authors views and not that of any "scientist" with a degree. It should be taken accordingly)

Who was the First President of the United States?

2010-03-01T21:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, of course, George Washington was the first president under our current constitution. As factual as that may be, he indeed, was not the only first president of the United States. Rather, and little known, Samuel Huntington, was the first president under the AOC (Articles of Confederation). Also noteworthy to mention he was the first president under the AOC, however, he was not the first president under congress, that was John Hanson.

(Samuel Huntington; I personally have a deep respect for our dear Mr. Huntington, for against his own family, instead of maintaining the farm he taught himself law. After his self taught knowledge he passed the bar becoming, governor, and one of our first presidents.)

I find it repulsive that throughout the U.S our kids even until the ages of high school are never taught who was in charge prior to the current constitution. In my opinion I only accept the U.S existence until after the AOC, thus it would give Huntington the "first".

So who is it?
George Washington
Samuel Huntington
John Hanson

Aria

2010-02-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

Aria, in its essence, a solo piece of music that may have accompaniment, in recent times is associated with a solo singer (and is frequent in operas). I may over exaggerate with a bias opinion of aria's, however, I happen to carry the interpretation that an aria is; the poetic climax of a certain characters outward lash (when speaking of an opera.) So, as poetry in song, I wish to give you a video of "Nessun Dorma", an aria, of which happens to be my favorite. Although I confine my time of arias listening to opera versions, many composers have made movements and concerts that are equally numerous and impressive.

(Source link represented by clicking picture)

Here is a link you should check out:

Pavarotti- "Nessun Dorma"

Nessun Dorma is the perfect example of an aria in opera with my "poetic lash-out" view. It appears in Giacomo Puccini's opera, Turandot

-Calaf, as the princess has no desire to marry him, gives the princess before dawn to guess his name. If she does, she can execute him, however, if she cannot find out his name she must marry him. Thus Calaf sings the aria, "Nesssun Dorma".

Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma!
Tu pure, o, Principessa,
nella tua fredda stanza,
guardi le stelle
che tremano d'amore
e di speranza.
Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me,
il nome mio nessun saprà!
No, no, sulla tua bocca lo dirò
quando la luce splenderà!
Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio
che ti fa mia!
(Il nome suo nessun saprà!...
e noi dovrem, ahime, morir!)

Nobody shall sleep!...
Nobody shall sleep!
Even you, o Princess,
in your cold room,
watch the stars,
that tremble with love and with hope.
But my secret is hidden within me,
my name no one shall know...
No!...No!...
On your mouth I will tell it when the light shines.
And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!...
(No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.)
Vanish, o night!
Set, stars! Set, stars!
At dawn, I will win! I will win! I will win!

René Magritte

2010-02-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

The infamous Belgian surrealist artist, Magritte, has some of the most interesting artworks. His work was to influence people to have sensitivity to their surroundings. I mention him for the "Pablo Picasso" and all the others are always talked about. Sometimes, and less than it should, people who are very famous like Magritte have their share only inside their niche. Here are a few of his pieces...

(Source links of paintings are presented by clicking picture.)

Now, as odd as they are, a surrealist view through painting, for almost all cases, supposed to have a deeper meaning behind them. As much as I wish I could illustrate the exact meaning behind his work, I cannot. As such, and I hope you do, delve a little farther into his pieces and maybe a little biography of René Magritte.

Vocabulary Word of the Week; Clairvoyance

2010-02-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

Clairvoyance- 1.the supernatural power of seeing objects or actions removed in space or time from natural viewing 2. quick, intuitive knowledge of things and people; sagacity.

Closer Look- The two perceptions of clairvoyance are: Firstly, that you can obtain information about a person, object, location, occurrences, from abnormal "senses" beyond the human five (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste) Second, you have acute intuition of objects and other people. The latter of the two presents an ability based on preexisting knowledge whereas the counter acts as a supernatural agent.

(Please note all definition were "copied" from (Dictionary.reference.com) to provide adequate results.)

Arabist

2010-02-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Ingenuously labeled, Arabist, refers to a person who specializes in or mastered the Arabic language, culture, and literature. Although it has roots back to medieval Spain, currently, and more often, it is used by ambassadors and foreign service officers from the US. Although it may not be a piece of knowledge that you sit back and digress or really incorporate it into existing knowledge of the middle east in the essence of "the now', rather Arabists are to credited with an amassment of the cultural translation we have.

Weird Phobias

2010-02-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

With the enormity of the topic finding a few "odd man outs" out of many is very difficult, and for this case is even more demanding for almost all phobias have that weirdness about them. Hence, I go forth trying to find the ones where you sit back and go "now way" and "are you serious", and "no one can have that".

Blennophobia- The fear of slime
I know what your thinking. Ghostbusters right?

Ideophobia- Fear of Ideas
Ideas inherently bad? I must say I cannot grasp this unless; someones ideas all have a negative undertone to begin with, thus, all there ideas bring harm or insecurity towards themselves. Be that as it may, ironically, in that situation the only way to recover is to begin with the very thing you cannot do. (For other phobias you come up with an "idea" and move about fixing it.)

Epistemophobia- Fear of Knowledge
no comment.

Francophobia- Fear of France or French Culture
Yeah, well, I keep coming across ones like this for different countries and cultures, so I put it in here, however, there are many reasons for people to have a fear against a certain country. I added just because it is one I have never thought of, and it is such a prevalent fear. The idea of it,of which I do not grasp, is why not incorporate all of them into one word; Its meaning along the lines of fear of a country (in particular or not)

Alliumphobia- Fear of Garlic
Now I can understand disliking, from which, some type of "fear" of encountering it might happen. However, unless your a typical classical vampire its another one I cannot grasp.

I encourage you to find out more phobias from the link below. As you read through the list of phobias you should keep in mind that fears of "something" can go and come back. So if one does not make any sense to you, try to think of a situation where someone might be afraid that particular thing. It might help.

PhobiaList

The Gargoyle

2010-01-31T19:21:00.000-08:00

These easily distinguished grotesque creatures positioned alongside structures, gargoyles, even at the root of their hard stone bodies serve a deeper purpose. They were implemented in medieval Europe for cathedrals and churches as roof spouts to drain the water away from buildings. I find it a bit peculiar to hide a simple action with an obvious outlandish creature, but the world of earth is masked with oddities.
I might add that despite being a "Medieval Gutter" gargoyle is not the only proper way to depict one. A structure or even a sculpture might have/be a gargoyle for it has a unique look alongside draining water. In essence it can just be an artwork of distorted human or animal form. Also interesting to note is the word "gargoyle" can be used as an adjective and as such is worded "gargoyled", but I cannot say whether or not you would be discounted on using it.

Henotheism

2010-01-30T14:20:00.000-08:00

Henotheism, in short, is the worship of one god or deity while accepting the possibility of others. As such, you worship your god/deity and that worship does not mean that it has to be the sole supernatural being of the universe. There are sub-categories of Henotheism; The belief that gods hold supreme power at different times and should be worship at those times (Kathenotheism) and the belief that only one supreme deity should be worshiped (whilst there sill being other deities). (Monolatrism)

Can You Sneeze With Your Eyes Open?

2010-01-29T01:07:00.000-08:00

I always look around the web for various miscellaneous random phrases and facts and one that always has caught my eye is the "fact that you cannot sneeze with your eyes open". I, whilst shaking my head, always have to wonder why people post such "random facts" when in (fact) they are such clear fallacies. Not only is the first premise not true we can move on to the implied one where people have the notion of eyes popping out. Oh the agony...... But hey don't take my word for it take a look at the following link, and if that doesn't complement your need for knowledge search engines are always there to help to give a lending hand.

Is it impossible to sneeze with your eyes open?
This link has a surprise question attached, and while it may be humorous, it either shows the capabilities of children to ask questions or how knowledge is lacking within humanity.

So, to take my pain away, I label this under Myth.

The Burghers of Calais

2009-09-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

The Burghers of Calais, in Calais France, is a sculpture by Auguste Rodin and was fully completed in 1889. It is one of Rodins' most famous sculptures, and it serves as a dedication to an event during the Hundred Years War.

As far as anyone knows, King Edward III of England brought his men onto Calais and laid siege. Philip VI (France) ordered that the city shall stand no matter the costs. Although Edward had not fully taken the city, starvation from surrounding it led to to King Edward's proposal.

King Edward purposed that if any six of its top leaders walked out almost naked, nooses around their necks, and have keys to the city and the castle he would leave the city. Eustache de Saint Pierre, volunteered first, then five others came and stripped down to their under garments.

So the sculpture symbolizes the moment these six men stand at the gate humiliated.

After word, however, expecting to be killed the Burghers of Calais where sent free for Queen Philippa of Hainault thought it was a bad omen for her unborn child. She asked King Edward to spare them their lives, and he did.

Go Ahead and check out some related Links. (All following links are "Wiki" links and only cover the broad spectrum of each individual link. They should serve well to the majority)

Learn about Calais
Edward III
Philippa of Hainault
Hundred Years War

List Sea Monsters- The Aspidochelone

2009-08-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Aspidochelone is a giant sea turtle or whale thats relative size is that of an Island. Its compound word splits as the greek word Aspis (asp) and chelone (turtle). It can be found in the text of the Phsiologus ( Greek text that was written by an unknown author.) The creature gets its monster undertone for it entices sailors onto its shell, where even trees and bushes grow. After the sailors draw their first campfire the Aspidochelone sinks back into the ocean drowning all.

A Source Quote:
"In the moralistic allegory of the Physiologus and bestiary tradition, the aspidochelone represents Satan, who deceives those whom he seeks to devour." (Source)

Other Names:
Fastitocalon- This creature is seen as a whale.

GO BACK TO LIST SEA CREATURES

Related Links:
http://www.monstropedia.org/index.php?title=Aspidochelone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspidochelone

Link to understand more about The Physiolgus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiologus

Link to understand more about a Bestiary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bestiary

List Sea Monsters

2009-08-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

A beginning of a new adventure where I get to delve inside the belly of sea creatures. To make sure each gets the same amount of context I am splitting each up into their own category. I will come back to this post to put links on each creature.

If all are not up please come back to check when another monster will be up.

Bing

2009-08-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

As Bing looks: august 2009

I know this is supposed to be Random Knowledge, but I had to write this in Microsoft's defense because I really like how the website Bing is set up. So I decided that all web/websites can be regarded as knowledge. Bing is supposed to be a better rendition of a Google search engine. However, some of the main points that I love about Bing, Google has been talking about putting in or already has. These points include putting in filters for images such as how you wish to view a photograph of someone, or others such as linking to related searches.

http://www.bing.com/
So if you have not tried it I really suggest looking at it.

Underwater Creatures Emiting Laughing Gas

2009-08-27T11:38:00.001-07:00

Scientists have found that certain underwater creatures release nitrous oxide (Laughing Gas) when nitrate is present in water. Some known creatures include: Mussels, Snails, and some underwater worms and bugs. The big problem with this comes back to us, humans. The nitrate that is present in the water comes from pollution that we put in there. To further the problem this cause is that nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that blankets our atmosphere. The only good thing so far is that we don't know how much of this "Laughing Gas" is actually getting to the atmosphere.

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/life/environment/2009/03/04/198687/Underwater-creatures.htm

http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/03/03/sea-creatures-gas.html

Breast Cancer- MRI? Best Choice?

2009-08-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article on the Time website talking about if getting a MRI is the most efficient way to detect cancer in the breast. To my surprise I thought some of the information given in the article to be surprising. I mean MRI being to good?

Here is the article:

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1916045,00.html

Being a man I cannot even imagine having a mastectomy. So, learning that just because there are more cancerous tumors that show up in a MRI than mammogram I think its important for woman everywhere to know whats really going on. Even more surprising to me that woman wanted to go for a mastectomy so often. Thats where I think the article really shines. It gives truth to the point that they dont take out all the cancerous parts of the breast some are left intact for radiation to take care of. I really hope you will read the above article for more information.

Added links for breast cancer MRI and mammogram related subjects.

(Since MRI's and Mammograms are under the Radiological field I tried to find a suitable link specific to each and not just a general "Wiki" answer. You can find those first under each.)

MRI-
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_resonance_imaging

Mammogram-

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mammo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammography

NOW: the most important link I can give you is exactly what some Breast Cancer Societies dont want you to know. PLEASE understand that for the most part any cancer society means well but you should understand everything that goes along with it.

Please reveiw the following Link.
http://www.naturalnews.com/020648.html

Technically there is no straight forward "cure" for breast cancer.

THX Certification

2009-08-15T18:24:00.000-07:00

It has come evident to lately while helping a family member purchase a television that not to many people understand what THX Certification actually (means).) THX is not a sound company like the general public seems to believe. THX is actually a sound standard for sound systems; Movie theaters, sound systems, computer speakers etc.. This sound standard means that no matter which THX certified material you use you will get the close as possible as to the original sound the engineers created, and hence also each one should have the same quality. The name comes from George Lucas's first feature film, THX 1138.

The Intent on this short article is not to give you all the details there is however stop the misinterpretation of a house hold acronym.

Check out the following links to gather more information on the subject.

http://www.thx.com/cinema/trailers.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THX
http://www.howstuffworks.com/thx.htm

also check out THX 1138

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066434/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THX_1138

About and Contact Form

2009-08-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Most information found inside this blog I have no expertise within the subject or on the specific information, and so, please by all means contact me so I can correct the information and then place it in memory.

I hope for everyone really interested to use this site to its full advantage to use the Labels tool-bar to find a genre that suits you.