Fascination

In this episode, Fascination . . .

Why do people experience boredom? Have you ever pondered this question? I searched my dictionary for the word “bored," but it appears to have no meaning. Or maybe someone tore that page out? Anyway–

Some may argue, "Come on, be realistic; surely there are moments when you can't find anything engaging to do."

Obviously, we all experience times every day when we sit and stare with a glassy gaze, contemplating our world.

When you decide to schedule some free time, I challenge you to pick up a book outside your usual reading habits. Lately, I've been intrigued by Isaac Asimov's short stories from the book Nightfall, which I mentioned in last week's On the Fly podcast.

Today, I read the 1954 story “It's Such a Beautiful Day." The story is set in a futuristic society (2117) where transportation is primarily done through teleportation devices called “Doors."

The tale follows Dickie Hanshaw, a young boy who lives in a world where outdoor activities are rare due to the convenience of these Doors. One day, his family’s Door malfunctions, forcing him to walk – to school for the first time. This unexpected and traumatic experience (according to his mother) introduces him to the beauty of the natural world: the sun, the wind, the flowers, and the trees.

Dickie becomes fascinated by the outdoors and starts to spend more and more time exploring. His behavior becomes increasingly unusual, leading his mother to worry and seek help from a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist, however, begins to understand Dickie's perspective and realizes that the boy's connection to nature is a healthy and valuable experience.

Asimov masterfully intertwines suspense, fear, creativity, and joy. This story unequivocally explores themes of societal conditioning, the vital importance of human connection with nature, and the potential for unexpected discoveries, even in the most familiar surroundings. Fascinating–An inspiring testament to the human mind's ability to break free from the monotony of daily life and discover the thrill of creative expression.

So, my listening friends, I ask again: 'Are you bored?'

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

Don Hanley said…

And I fine moving my little finger a marvel. How do I do this?

September 13, 2024 at 10:56 AM

Tapestry of Truth

In this episode, The Tapestry of Truth . . . Imagine a tapestry woven with the threads of countless experiences. These threads are the stories we encounter, the lessons we learn, the relationships we cultivate, and the environments we inhabit. Each thread contributes to the intricate pattern of our beliefs, values, and interactions with truth. Philosophers have long debated the definition of truth. Bertrand Russell defined truth as "the correspondence between belief and fact." Essentially, a statement is true if it accurately reflects reality. Consider Galileo Galilei's observation of Jupiter. Through his telescope, he observed celestial bodies orbiting the planet. Initially met with resistance, this observation revolutionized our understanding of the solar system. Statement: Jupiter has moons orbiting it. Reality: Galileo's observations accurately reflected the reality of Jupiter's moons. This demonstrates how truth corresponds to reality. Despite initial oppos...

Golf Evolving

In this episode, TGL–Golf Evolving . . . Welcome back to On the Fly! This week, I want to share what Lori discovered on ESPN about professional golf: the NEW TGL league. You see, golf has evolved over the centuries. The game has always adapted from Scotland's windswept links to Augusta's manicured courses. But what if I told you that the most significant change in golf history isn't happening on a sprawling 18-hole masterpiece but inside a building? Inspired by Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story," we’re about to tee off! Good morning, Americans! Today, we're talking about golf—a sport as old as time yet as new as tomorrow. Who hasn’t heard of Tiger Woods, the golfing phenom? Also, if you’re a golf fan, you've probably heard of Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish star. But have you heard of their brainchild? It's called TGL–turning the golf world on its ear. TGL stands for TMRW Golf League. Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy founded TMRW Sports in partne...

Quantum Computing

In this episode, Introduction to Quantum Computing . . . Welcome back to On the Fly, the podcast where we delve into fascinating and occasionally complex topics that pique curious minds. Today, we’re exploring something that sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie: Quantum Computing. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech expert—I promise to keep it simple, fun, and full of real-world analogies. So, let’s start with this question: Have you ever been stuck in traffic and wondered, “What’s the fastest way to get to my destination?” You open your favorite map app, which calculates the best route in seconds. But imagine if it could consider every possible route, even ones you never thought of, all at once. That’s similar to what quantum computing can do—but on a much larger scale. Classical vs. Quantum Computing : To understand quantum computing, let’s first discuss the computers we use every day. These classical computers process information in binary—ones and zeros. Think of it like a...

Starry, Starry Night

In this episode, Starry, Starry Night . . . Welcome back to On the Fly! This week, we're exploring the basics of astrophotography. Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what's really out there? I’ve discovered a way to explore distant galaxies–without a telescope–or leaving my backyard. Consider this: each night, when the skies are clear, a breathtaking display unfolds above us—a cosmic dance of light and color. When you step outside, you notice the moon and perhaps a few stars. However, you can open a gateway to the universe with a camera, some adjustments, and a tripod. Suddenly, faint whispers of light transform into vibrant galaxies, swirling nebulae, and star clusters that shimmer like diamonds scattered across black velvet. That fuzzy patch you thought was just a smudge becomes the Andromeda Galaxy, our closest galactic neighbor, an astonishing 2.5 million light-years away. You're capturing light that has traveled millions of years to reach your came...

On The Fly

Search This Blog