by James
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Today, I'm taking a leaf from Calvin's book...
I think I’m going to sit back and let opportunity present itself. It’s a lot harder for me to just relax than actively pursue a goal. What can I say, we’re all flawed. Sometimes, you just need to let the chips fall where they may before you can figure out your next move.
So for now, I’m just going to focus on the present moment and being content with what is instead of fretting over what may yet come to pass.
by James
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Artist's rendering of a Quasar.
12 billion light years from Earth, there is an immense body of water surrounding a Quasar known as APM 8279+5255. In this one enormous cloud, there is enough water to supply 28 entire galaxies.
The water vapor forms a massive cloud around a black hole, which is chewing through the matter and spewing it back out in a burst of energy known as a Quasar. The waves of energy released by the black hole make more water by smashing hydrogen and oxygen atoms together.
The Quasar has been around since the Universe was a mere 1.6 Billion years old, making it about 12 Billion years old. This means water was being formed at the very start of the known Universe, making it one of the first substances created in galactic volumes. As water is essential in shaping geology, climate and a key component in the only known forms of life, this discovery is astounding.
Water is becoming a common thread, reshaping our fundamental understanding of the Universe. Water has been located on Mars, spurting hundreds of miles into space from Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, and even in icebergs hidden in the polar craters of our own Moon. Now with this recent discovery, a single quasar has the ability to manufacture water on a galactic scale.
by James
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The Datura or Brugmansia plant is a family of hallucinogenic plants. Unrefined Scopolamine can be extracted from its seeds.
Perhaps the most terrifying drug known to man, Scopolamine, also known as “The Devil’s Breath” is a colorless, odorless and tasteless substance. Its effects turn cognizant, rational people into docile zombies who willingly help thieves rob their own homes or empty their bank accounts without batting an eyelash.
The substance so intense that it renders a person incapable of exercising free will. It can wipe the memory of its victims and it is currently being dealt on the streets of Colombia. You can procure a gram of this substance (1 gram is enough to kill several people) for 40 or 50 pesos or about $3 US.
The drug is used by prostitutes, rapists and human traffickers. It can easily be slipped into a drink, or even blown in a persons direction from a slip of paper. People have been asked for directions, met someone in a nightclub and woken up days later with no memory, no money and unexplained injuries. Some people suffer long term mental damage from higher doses if they survive at all.
“The Devil’s Breath” is a tropane alkaloid, extracted from Solanaceae family of plants: Brugmansia also known as Floripondio or from a plant in a similar genus called Datura which is commonly referred to as “Angel’s Trumpets.” The plant itself is a hallucinogen when the flowers or roots are brewed into a tea. Scopolamine is made from the seeds of the plant, which are chemically refined in a process similar to how cocaine is refined using ether.
Scopolamine has been in use throughout human history. It was used in ritualistic human sacrifice, making the victims docile enough to literally walk into their own graves. The Nazis used it in human experimentation and the CIA used it during the cold war as a truth serum. Derivatives of substance are still widely used today in anaesthetic practice and other medical fields. The unethical use of the drug and its compatibility with crime is of great concern, especially in Colombia, which is currently responsible for 1/3 of the world’s kidnapping cases.
by James
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This past Saturday, I ran in the Tough Mudder marathon. For those of you who don’t know it is “probably the toughest event on the planet.”
The event was a grueling 12 1/2 mile endurance race combined with various military obstacles like plunging into a tank of ice water, crawling through the “Boa Constrictor” tubes and of course, crossing the electrified finish line. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun getting my ass kicked.
I think I did surprisingly well and accomplished a lot of obstacles I thought I’d need help with, like running up Everest (a massive quarter pipe) and scrambling over the Berlin Wall. I kept a great pace running even with a gallon of muddy water in my shoes. Can’t wait to sign up for the next one!
I was able to procure several images of my team (not the best quality but hi-res is pricey!). Enjoy!
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