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Are you being controlled like a Sim?

15
Jul 2012

Remember The Sims? – Okay I was into this game for a while, kind of obsessed with it I like had all of the expansion packs and stuff – yeah, I’ve said too much 8-O – anyway, it was definitely the best thing since cinnamon pretzels…It’s awesome though, it’s like you’re mayor; with an overwhelming need to style and cook for people.

Anyway get this: The Sims might not just be an addictive game, we could actually be Sims! According to a recent discovery and theory proposed by Dr. James Gates, Jr. - we could be computer simulated post-humans.

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Dr. Gates’ theory is that there is evidence that our world is virtual and programmed, outlined by the discovery of what is called Doubly-even self-dual linear binary error-correcting block code – a code first invented by Claude Shannon in the 1940′s.

The discovery is that this mysterious code has been found to be embedded within the equations of “superstring theory”.

So, what exactly is superstring theory?

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It’s alot more complex than a few sentences will allow (and I’m no expert on the subject), but Superstring Theory is an attempt to illustrate all of the particles and fundamental forces of nature by modelling them as vibrations of tiny strings.
(FYI: the image above is just a piccy of threads that I thought looked pretty – it does not represent the actual strings…)

Erm, the threads are pretty and all, but what does that have to do with us maybe being Sims?

Okay so, the Sims thing is relevant because when you tie the two together you get:

The fundamental forces of nature plus the mysterious computer code equals: code that represents computer programming combined with code that represents the world as we know it…

Come again? So there’s computer code within the code of nature?

Hey that’s the theory…

Now of course, whenever anything sounds as ‘out-there’ as this – the first evidence is usually a low quality YouTube video with ridiculous music and poor editing. So as not to disappoint:

Whoa! What?

Far out right? Now remember, this is just a theory, a philosophy and is largely based on opinion, so don’t freak out…in case you’re interested, I’ve also included some audio below: a discussion with Oxford University Professor Nick Bostrom.

Nick Bostrom on the Simulation Argument – [Audio]

So, what do you think?

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Category: A Thought..., News  Tags: Claude Shannon, Dr. James Gates Jr, superstring theory, The Matrix, The Sims  

Are drugs the new black?

02
Jul 2012

The signs were real man! Remember that post I wrote about the media claiming that shrooms could cure depression? And that other one about the things people take to escape from their boring realities? Well, today I heard that workplace drug tests from the last half decade, have shown that the number of workers testing positive for Class-A drugs has risen by 50% between 2007 and 2011! :-o

Jheeze! Class-A! That’s not the odd Nurofen pill or pea-sized amount of Bonjela. That’s not even wacky-backy. It’s stuff like speed and smack. Seriously? 8-O More and more people are taking hard drugs and then going into work? Is life so bad that this is what it has come to?

Hmmm…instead of just sensationalist reports in the media about things like drug-use, the overweight and rioting, I really hope studies like these help to highlight just how bad things have gotten for people.

The general consensus seems to be that money, morale and quality of life are at an all time low…unless it’s all just a bit of a laugh?

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Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', News  Tags: Class-A drugs, life, work  

The truth or something beautiful?

28
Jun 2012

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The Spice Girls have reformed for something or other in the West End (forgive me for not looking into the details, you’ll get why in a minute) I loved the Spice Girls.

Theirs was the first concert I ever went to with my cousin and our aunt. I was in primary school, so about 8 or 9 maybe (can’t remember) & it was one of the best days of my life.

I begged my mum to buy me the album Spice for Christmas and when I actually got it, I was ecstatic.

I remember playing it all Christmas and nearly everyday after that. I had two t-shirts, those fan photographs and random memorabilia. I even went to see the movie! Yep, I was a proper fan me! :-D

…and then they broke up. Went on solo. There were some good songs from some of the solo efforts, but it wasn’t the same. As I grew up, I discovered new music but I wished them well.

Then a few days ago…BLAM! A reunion of sorts. Not that that’s surprising since there are several ‘get-back-together’ attempts from bands circling music in recent times.

So, why am I bothering to write any of this? Because I refused to listen to the adults who would harmlessly giggle at mine and my friends’ loyalties to the Spice Girls back in the day. Because I remember the band as being awesome and colourful and musical and the songs being great. To me, they were five besties ruling the world and I want to remember that truth.

You know what though…It would be so cool if they proved me right and were still all of that today…

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Category: News, Random Chit-Chat  Tags: spice girls reunion, the truth or something beautiful  

Dreama published in the Guardian!

16
Jun 2012

This is really cool!

I wrote a piece on my favourite music-biopic movie, choosing 8 Mile :-) – and the Guardian published it!

I was one of 4 lucky people to be featured in the online readers’ panel, and now my humble opinion is forever posted there for all to comment on!

You can read the piece here, and see some of the movies others chose too! Also, feel free to get involved in the comments section and have your say.

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Category: About Dreama, News, Stuff I Like  Tags: 8-Mile, Biopic, Dreama, News, Readers' Panel, The Guardian  

Hometown Glory – Part Seven: We’ve Conceded the Apollo!

01
Jun 2012

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Oh my gosh it’s happened, hasn’t it!? We’ve lost the Hammersmith Apollo!

First, in 2009 it got stamped with the infamous HMV label, and surrounded by the team-spirited encouragement (I actually worked at HMV at the time) I fell in line with it being called this (even though secretly I never called it that, to me it was impinging on the “Hammersmith” bit, not on…)

But now, according to The Guardian, the 80 year old former cinema has been sold for £32 million – to and American company (owned by) Ansco Music, and German company (owned by) CTS Eventim! 8-O

Built originally by Robert Cromie in 1932 and famous for it’s gorgeous art deco style which was innovative at the time, the Apollo is one of my favourite landmarks in Hammersmith. – Now that it is under new rule, will they change it?

I guess as long as they keep it as one of the best places locally to see live music it’ll be alright…but we’ll see…

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Category: I'm Just Sayin', News  Tags: Ansco Music, CTS Eventim, Hammersmith Apollo, HMV Apollo, Stage C  

Hometown Glory – Part Six: Picking Our Mayor

02
May 2012
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This instalment in the hometown glory series, focuses on our beautiful City, London…and who will be our Mayor.

Now, all the facts have been power-blasted across our tele’s for months, so I’m prepared to take a chance & say that you know them, and I’m writing this post today in hopes that you will vote tomorrow.

Some people might be put off of voting because they are new to it, hate politics, and think this doesn’t affect them, the first two excuses i’ll allow, but that last one is a no-go!

Here’s why (watch the advert below):

Now granted, that was to advertise the general elections some time ago, but the point it makes remains valid – politics affects pretty much everything – so get involved & have your say! ;-)

Our Candidates & Their Broadcasts:

Boris Johnson

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Ken Livingstone

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Brian Paddick

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Do your bit & be a proud Londoner! Click here for more information on how to vote on May 3rd 2012.

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Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', News, Stuff I Like  Tags: Dreama, London Mayoral Elections 2012, Londoners, voting  

Today in Racism…

09
Feb 2012

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I’ll start this with a disclaimer: I’m not calling anyone a racist, I am simply commenting on the news as it happened.

So, Fabio Capello has chosen to resign as the England football team manager after Chelsea player John Terry was stripped of his captain rights due to the alleged (is it sill alleged?) racist remark made to QPR player Anton Ferdinand.

Here is a video that contains no audio, you decide if Terry said what everybody else knows thinks he said:


(The words that caused this controversy: “you f***ing black c**t”)

Worryingly so, there seems to be a common theme in the media where some very bad eggs in high places have spewed out terrible remarks (either intentionally or otherwise depending on whether you believe the excuses), so I thought I’d do a little round up of some people that were famously fired, or that quit following similar offences – Here goes:

Fabio Capello

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What did he do?
Defended the racially offensive actions of John Terry by quitting after Terry lost his captain badge.

Quit or Fired?
Quit!

Ron Atkinson

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What did he do?
Was recorded (without knowing he was still on the air) calling football player Marcel Desailly an “effing lazy n-word” after a match.

Quit or Fired?
Fired!

John Galliano

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What did he do?
Was recorded drunk in a bar being racially offensive about the Jewish race & declaring his love for Hitler .

Quit or Fired?
Fired!

Eva Hoeke

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What did she do?
Wrote a piece in Dutch magazine “Jackie” on Rihanna dubbing her a “N*gga Bitch”

Quit or Fired?
Fired!

So there you have it, a handful of those who think it fashionable (not a pun because Galliano is included) to be racist, or defend racism, or act as if anything racist is okay depending on the intention, have been caught out & quite rightly faced the consequences of their ignorance.

It’s all the more sad when you think about these being people others look up to. I hope they see the error of their ways.

Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', News  Tags: Dreama, racism in football, racism in the media  

One for the Stoners: Back-Alley GP’s?

24
Jan 2012

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Imagine (any of) the following scenario(s): You’re feeling a bit down, maybe your tyre was flat this morning and you made an idiot of yourself trying to be a hero in the rain on the hard-shoulder of some grey motorway, or perhaps someone has tweeted you the plot of next weeks Eastenders which has angered you…

Whatever it was, you’re not a happy bunny & you feel depressed. Well, there could be hope. The power of the “magic mushroom” or the Psilocybe Cubensis, the technical term for what are commonly know as “shrooms” – has been found to contain a chemical substance called “Psilocybin” that could ease depression. Proposed originally by Professor David Nutt from Imperial College London, (the same guy who was fired for claiming LSD and “ecstasy” is less damaging to an individual than alcohol).

Now, I am certainly not an advocate of drug use, but I know when I smell a rat. I have a feeling this is just about people with badges & diplomas wanting to legally issue in illegal drugs they know to be as effective or more, than the  ones they already sell over the counter. Anything for a bit of extra wonga eh? – It is a recession after all! Be prepared for a future where your local doc can be found on the corner, field-testing legal “smack” on the local community.  He might look a bit like this guy…

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Disclaimer: Depression is no laughing matter & this article means no offence. It’s just an opinion, mostly on the drug thing…

 

Category: A Thought..., I'm Just Sayin', News, Random Chit-Chat  Tags: Depression, Drugs, Magic Mushrooms, Psilocybe Cubensi, Shrooms  

YOU ARE FREE…(*Terms & Conditions Apply)

18
Jan 2012

   Learn More…

Category: A Thought..., News  Tags: blackout, Legislation, PIPA, PROTECT IP Act, protest, USA copyright, Wikipedia  

Hometown Glory – Part Four: Help a London Child

30
Dec 2011

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part three of the Hometown Glory series, so I’m excited to share this one with you!

So let me guess, you’ve eaten ridiculous amounts of your favourite sugary and salty (but oh so delicious) food, you’ve slept in late enough each day that getting dressed seemed pointless, you’ve watched your entire movie collection, you’ve grumbled at the stupid story-line Eastenders went with on Christmas day (what a letdown…), and you’ve abandoned any thoughts of going back to work in the real world.

You’ve enjoyed your holiday and are now prepping for the New Year with resolutions you wont be keeping. Fantastic, you successfully enjoyed the season in all its commercialised glory! :-D

However the same isn’t true of others over the world and we all know this. As you may already know, these ‘Hometown Glory’ posts refer to my Hometown; Hammersmith – Today though, I’ve decided to extend as far as the whole capital…

I first heard about this particular ‘text to donate’  service  relating to Helping Children in London.
A few weeks ago on LBC during an ad-break and I’m really glad I did. These charities provide support for young people in the UK who need it the most!

From young carers who sacrifice large amounts of their time to care for those in their families suffering with an illness or a disability, to homeless youths who have no shelter and so have no choice but to live on the streets – There is a lot of help to give!

Donate today by texting the word CARER to send a one-off amount of £5 to help make a difference to someone’s life. (Network rates as seen on LBC below)

Donate Online via LBC
Donate Online via Virgin Money 

Category: A Thought..., News, Stuff I Like  Tags: Charity, Dreama, Giving Back, Hammersmith, Help a London Child, Homeless London, Homelessness, Hometown Glory, London, UK, Youth Carers in London  
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