Adventure of the Year

So, the New Year approaches. And with it may come a drastic change in scenery. For those who haven't heard the full story (and since there's only two people following this blog at the moment, it may seem somewhat redundant to say anything) there's a company in Atikokan, two hours west of Thunder Bay, called RDF Canada (information on the company can be found here) that's got an open and available spot for an electrical apprenticeship. And it's available to one person: me. Mark it on your calendar. This is the first time in my long and...storied history that there's been a fully secure position in a multi-million dollar company being offered to me, and me alone.

And if any of you know me as well as I certainly believe you do, then you will know there is nothing in my life that is that cut, dry, and utterly simplistic. It just doesn't happen. So, here it is: it may not even happen. Now, here's the reason why: the person running the company will only take me as a package deal. He's creating the opening of aforementioned apprentice if and only if he gets the the one person he's wanted on the project from the very start: Tesla. (No, not Nikola Tesla - once again, my rule regarding names and pseudonyms online is absolute.) Now, Tesla's about as gung-ho on this as I've ever seen him on anything, which is to say he's excited as a rock in Death Valley.

So, the company's owner wants Tesla to send exact wage expectations for both him and myself to the company's accountant. And for some damn reason, it's the accountant that has to clear it. I suppose it makes sense; the accountant's the one that knows exactly how much the company has to spare. So, until the accountant gives the word, nothing can happen. (And to think, I've spent the last couple of days packing up my room in case we get an order to move out.)

Of course, the next issue to deal with housing. Atikokan has a population of around 1,200. It's far too small for a start-up bunk at the local Salvation Army hostel, as it's too small to have a Salvation Army. That wouldn't even be an option as Tesla hasn't done hostels since he backpacked through Australia, ten years before I was even born. So, with the wage expectations, an allowance for housing must also be included, for both of us. The company's owner is going to get us shortlisted as best as possible for a two bedroom apartment in the area (at a total cost of $400 per month - beats Toronto's costs for rent hands down, I'd say) to give us a safe harbour. Atikokan's about to get a massive influx of population for this one company alone. So, the sooner we can get up there and get keys in or hand, the better chance we have to have a place at all. There's contingencies in place, but they're not as permanent as I'd like. Yeah, story of my life: stopgaps galore.

But there's one more cloud blotting out the horizon. It's not just costs of living that will have to be covered by our combined wages. If we get the green light to jump, Tesla and me are going to be driving up, a distance of just under 1,500 kilometres. He wants his trusty, well-used VW Jetta up there with him, rust spots and all. So there's maintenance, insurance, and gas for the car. That I have no issue with. What I have a problem with is Barbatos, who has made it apparent that she expects $800 a week from Tesla, with no intentions on her part to have her son chip in from his wages, something he hasn't done anyway, in the nearly three years he's lived here.

I would almost argue once again that Tesla should simply have a lawyer draw up papers for divorce, but I understand the reasons he won't. Such an action could end up much worse for him. Barbatos refuses to work. Tesla would be forced to pay alimony, to keep her 'standard of living' intact. It's a policy governing divorce I've never agreed with. I once labelled her as a gold-digger, from descriptions given to me by Tesla, long before I met her. I'm sure you all now understand why I still find that to be fitting.

(Remember in a previous entry I said these journals would most likely end being bitch sessions?)

But through all the obstacles and turbulence that loom on the horizon, there is one advantage that nearly ensures all other situations will be overcome. Those reading this should remember one thing above all others: I always manage to find my feet, regardless what the situation is. Anyone reading this may feel worry and concern for what could begin to happen in the next few weeks (or less, perhaps) but, for those who know the story, I need only mention one town: Elliot Lake.

2012: Will Anything Even Happen?

(For those who read this article, please note this is an essay written primarily for the benefit of the Table of Nine Discussion Panel. Feel free to read at your leisure, and give comments regardless.)

"An unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending, especially: one with the distinct possibility of a highly undesirable outcome..."

~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary, definition of 'crisis'

A crystal ball into the future would be the dream come true of so many on the planet, to know which stocks to choose to guarantee wealth, to have the foreknowledge of how long a marriage can last. But such an object would also show us the pain and suffering to come with the days not yet here. One such day has captured the imaginations and terror of everyone from the ancient Mayans to Hollywood producers: 21 December, 2012. Predictions going back millennia, from multiple cultures and sources, have predetermined this day to be the end of all things. But how accurate are these predictions in the first place?

To draw any form of conclusion, certain assumptions must first be put in place. First and foremost is the correlation between this date and our star system crossing what is called the galactic equator. Just as our planet, and every other object in the night sky, can be divided into both a northern and southern hemisphere, so too can our own galaxy. Our resident star, Sol, completes one full orbit around the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy once every 225 million years, at speeds of about 210-240 kilometres per second. But it's not orbiting in simply one hemisphere. Every 25,800 years, Sol crosses the galactic equator. To speak technically, our star system is already in the borderlands of the equator. The best estimates we have as to when we can officially say we have crossed from one hemisphere to the other falls on one specific date: 21 December, 2012.

Thus enters our first assumption: that the Mayan prediction of Doomsday is directly tied to this galactic event. By this assumption, we can set in place the next logical step: just as the breach of the galactic equator occurs on a constant schedule, so too can it be said that whatever event will, or may, happen, it is a cyclical event. It has happened before, long before human civilization even existed. With this framework in mind, we can begin to look at the different possible events.

1) Galactic Barrage

Scientists have been watching the magnetic fields of our resident star and source of light for some years, and have noticed a disturbing trend: the magnetic fields are faltering. One can research the importance of this, and find a terrifying fact. A star's magnetic field drives the so-called 'solar winds' that blast constantly through our system, creating what is known as the heliosphere. Just as the magnetic fields of Terra (or Earth, if you prefer) protect us from the solar winds in our system, the magnetic field of Sol, and resulting solar winds, protect us from the 'galactic winds' from the central hub of the Milky Way. Without this heliosphere to protect us, interstellar radiation would bombard our planet to a microwaved husk. Astronomers and scientists watching this phenomenon estimate the solar winds will reach their lowest point in the latter half of 2012.

But will this really destroy all life on the planet? Keeping in mind that this potential event is cyclical, you can therefore say it has happened before. It has happened before, and there is still life in our world. So this possible event can be all but ruled out. While it is still a possibility, it can be believed to be so unlikely that for the sake of this arguement, it can be ruled out.

2) Nemesis Theory

One need only watch enough television to eventually come across the old story of the 'evil twin,' the one who seeks to undo all the good their twin brings to the world. One such belief of an evil twin draws back to the first formation of our star system. Several have posited that our star is a loose binary to what is now little more than a black dwarf, and that at one time every 25,800 years, this twin returns to wreak havoc upon its twin's satellites: the planets of our system. But studies into numerous stars around our galaxy have shown that the minimum time required for a star to become a black dwarf rests around 40 billion years - far more than the estimated lifetime of our universe.

Others have said that it would not be a black dwarf, but a black hole, rotating lazily nearby, ready to pounce at a moment's notice. This, too, can be debunked. The first black hole ever detected was Cygnus X-1 in 1964. At a distance of 6,000 light-years, it is the closest black hole recorded. As it is having no major effects on our system, it would have to be much closer - and well within modern detection range - to cause widespread damage.

3) Gravimetric Shear

On the topic of black holes, there is indeed one which is strong enough to affect our planet: the Milky Way Galaxy. As absurd as it may sound, our galaxy is indeed the accretion disc of a three million solar mass black hole, whhich rests comfortably within the galactic hub. As a black hole has never, and by definition, can never be visually observed, we can only infer the rotation period of this monster, but it is believed they rotate so quickly that the effect of their gravity is spun out into a flat disc around them. Some have stated that when we cross the galactic equator, the force of gravity from the galactic hub will pull on the surface of our planet, shifting tectonic plates and causing widespread earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

For this possible event alone, there is a myriad of potential evidence. For several years, there has been a steady increase in volcanic and seismic activity, most notably the Boxing Day Tsunami, and the re-awakening of Mount St. Helens. Several have stated previously that this is direct evidence of what is to come, a belief that cannot be entirely dismissed by the most credible of sources.

4) Blackout

Along with possible gravity forces spreading from the galactic hub, there is another possible effect that could come with crossing this boundary. Earlier, it was stated that the chance of intersteller radiation charbroiling our planet is remote to the point of laughable. But there is one thing that, in many minds, has become a wild card issue: electromagnetic radiation. This is not the typical radiation that can be studied by watching documentaries on nuclear incidents such as Chernobyl or Three Mile Island, but it does derive from the use of nuclear weapons.

When a nuclear warhead is detonated, along with gamma ray radiation and temperatures rivaling a solar corona, is a pulse wave of electromagnetic radiation. Harmless to humans on its own, it does have one interesting, and devastating, effect: it literally shorts out both electronic circuitry and anything requiring some form of magnetism to function. Everything from a digital sports watch to a national power grid to your average portable generator, should we encounter a galactic EM pulse, would immediately become so many useless paperweights and relics. Now here's the catch: this is the one possibility that no one can give odds on. The last time this cyclical event occured, mankind had not yet discovered agriculture and language, much less computers. It is a very real chance this could have struck our planet before in the time of our species, and there would be no way of knowing.

Taking this effect into account, look at the time of year this potential event would be set to happen: 21 December, 2012. The northern hemisphere of our planet would be entering into the coldest time of year, and would be greeting it without the benefit of energy, for either lighting or heating. In August of 2003, a blackout struck the lower parts of Ontario and most of the American Eastern Seaboard, during one of the hottest summers on record. Now picture the exact opposite situation, on a global scale. Our species has never before faced such a crucial fight for survival, and it is highly likely, should this event occur, that only about 5% of the global population would survive beyond three years, either from exposure to the elements, or fights over what few supplies remain.

5) A New Day Begins

Through this essay, several different hypothetical outcomes have been examined, but there is still one that is outstanding: that the planet will awaken on 22 December and find that nothing has changed. Through all the discussions and arguements this mythical date has sparked over the last several years, there has been no conclusive evidence set forth to state with absolute certainty that anything will happen at any point, anywhere.

No fully accurate historical records from the last time this event occured exist, as at that time, our species was only at the point of creating renditions of different animals on cave walls across the planet. Whatever may be due for us within the crystal ball, we can only wait and see.

The Work-A-Day World (Part I)

For those who have read both previous and (as of this moment, unwritten) future posts to this blog, you'll no doubt see that more often than not, I'm writing commentaries on various topics from the world around us. But I will make certain for the sake of those who follow this blog (only one at the moment, but that may just change) that I know in my personal life, I will occasionally include journal entries so as to keep them abreast of current happenings. And, unlike my other entries, these will not be started off by a relevant quote from some famous thinker or celebrity, nor a line from my own collection, the Codex Anima. (For those seeking my sagely pearls of wisdom, skip to the next entry - these journals may just end up being hotheaded bitch sessions.)

So, recently I began doing hours through a local temp agency. For the record, I have had horrendous experience with such places before. I have no problem naming Labour Ready in Brantford as an example, though I shall remain silent on the exact reason. So the fact that I even looked at such a place at all should be fairly startling.

Anyway, today was my second day with them. My first, last Friday, had started with a last-minute call to arms when someone bugged out of their shift after five minutes. The rest of the day was slow and mundane, easily managed. Today was not.

Wart remover. That's correct, I was dealing with small ampoules of semi-gelatinous wart removal medications. I also realized there are now five things on the planet that I can actually smell. One of them I like. Wart remover is not one of them. The small bottles, half the size of a shot glass and the colour of a beer bottle, went three to a retail pack, and twelve packs to a shipping box. Things started out rather kindly, I'll admit - until the shrink wrapper broke down. Of course, they didn't stop production, despite the required twenty minutes to get the damn thing working. So all the little bottles had to be taken off the conveyors as they crossed my post (of course, it's got to be me) and set in large Tupperware bins.

Once the shrink wrapper was fixed, I was told to start putting the bottles back on the conveyor - until the conveyor broke down. Bottles back in the bins. That got fixed in ten minutes, and the bottles were returned to the conveyor - then quickly removed as the packaging machine decided to take a vacation. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Lunch came and went, with no further major crises happening. Until the packaging machine wanted another break. Bottles back in the bins. For ninety minutes straight. Yes, for ninety minutes, nothing getting packaged, but plenty getting made. You'd never think, with the thousands of bottles that crossed under my eyes, that so many people on the planet had problems with unsightly warts. Or was there a convention of witches in the area?

So, the packager was finally fixed, and ninety minutes worth of bottles were put back onto the conveyor. For the uninformed, this means that the six of us there had to work double-hard to keep up. No problem, right? (You oughta know by now, my luck isn't that good.)

Five minutes after the machinery started running full barrel again, the next mishap happened. And this time, it was serious. I don't know what happened exactly, nor did I see anything, except for hearing one of the six people devoted to warts scream in pain. Somehow, some way, her hand got caught somewhere while trying to keep up, giving her some pretty bad lacerations. One of the other people ran to get the person in charge of first aid - and slipped on the smooth cement floor, taking a concussion for her troubles.

Now, don't get me wrong. I truly feel bad for what happened to those two. I certainly hope they're alright, and that I see them tomorrow. But in the meantime, do the math with me: a crew of six people, now left at 2/3 strength, having to handle three hours' worth of work in half that time. Please define disadvantage.

Also, please define workhorse: by myself, I took on my workload, and had no choice but to take on the duties of two other people. There was no way around it, really; I was the most mobile person left. (For those who know my history of injuries, don't laugh at the irony.) Perhaps it's best to say that I was the sole person remaining who was not forced to confine my activities to one location.

Five minutes of my fifteen minute break were spent smoking. The rest was diverted to refilling what supplies were needed for the continued operation of our little corner. You know what the bitch of it all is? At 1600, the station supervisor declared that we had pounded hard enough all afternoon, and had met our production quota half an hour early. And there I am, eyes bulging and nostrils flaring, adrenalin running race tracks through my blood, at my peak efficiency, headstrong and iron will, ready to take on the whole damn world - and I'm getting sent home.

Now how's that for a kick in the cajones?

Stranger Than Fiction

Simply because an idea exists within the realm of science fiction does not oblige the fact it will stay there.

~ Codex Anima

While I have always found myself to be a firm believer in that which can be seen and touched, I must certainly admit to the fact that fact itself is not absolute. This is a point I have defended for most of my life, against people who have made frequent use of objects and technologies that were once thought impossible.

Though he was renowned and notorious for subterfuge and the theft of others' ideas, there is one quote from Thomas Edison I use frequently in these conversations: "We don't know a millionth of one percent about anything." The 20th Century alone gave proof of that fact. One such theft of Edison's was a science fiction movie called "A Trip to the Moon." At the time, travel to another planetary body, even one only four hundred thousand kilometres away, was at best a laughable and preposterous idea. Now, NASA has plans to create a permanent construction outpost on Luna (yes, I refuse to call it the Moon, except when I'm quoting someone else) between 2019 and 2024.

Many people I've known have looked at several examples of futuristic technology from the Star Trek universe and found themselves laughing at the concepts. One of them even went on to answer their cell phone within moments, a piece of technology inspired by the communicators from the original Star Trek television series. Even the phasers from Star Trek are slowly becoming reality, thanks to an American defense project called the Pulsed Energy Projectile.

But what about the famous blaze of light from the nacelles of the Enterprise as it takes off at warp speed toward the next planet or ship in need of assistance? That's just crazy, right? In a sense, it is: Einstein's theories on relativity showed that nothing can travel beyond the speed of light. Then in 1994, a Mexican phycisist named Miguel Alcubierre created a hypothetical mathematical model of a 'spacetime bubble' which could permit superluminal speeds. While only the basic mathematics and physics behind the proposed propulsion system have been tentatively established, the major breakthroughs have really yet to come.

In the end, who knows? Your next vacation could be in orbit of Tau Ceti. But keep this in mind, next time someone tells you about a radical idea they have that could change the world, don't automatically dismiss it permanently to the realm of science fiction. Things have a habit of not staying there long.

A Festive Time

The purpose of a holiday is completely without merit unless you can hold to that purpose beyond midnight.

~ Codex Anima

Most of the people I know, with people such as Andariel or Chrysalis chief among them, see this as a magical time of year. It's the one time of year where everyone's supposed to put on a smile and be festive and jolly. I fail to see it.

You can call me cynical if you wish, but there's a waiting line a mile long for the pleasure. As I write this, I am also looking at the latest news: allegations of corruption in Pakistan; forced deportation of refugees in Cambodia. The only things I see which does not show typical human nature is a force mankind cannot contend with, that being a high degree of risk from a volcanic eruption in the Phillipines.

At a local mall a few weeks ago, I happened across a group from the Salvation Army accepting donations to their cause. Religious differences aside, I applaud these people for holding to the lessons of the Good Samaritan, one of the few parts of their holy writ I find myself agreeing with. As I dropped ten dollars into their kettle, I found myself wondering why I have never seen them taking donations during the rest of the year. And the answer came back as sharp as a bell: this is the only time of year people set aside for giving to their fellow man. So, I turned around, and dropped in another ten.

A few days ago at my current residence, I saw Barbatos assisting her underlings in setting up a plastic Christmas tree. I admit to a sense of nostalgia at the time, back to the days when I would have gladly assisted in this. Yes, once upon a time, I too was young and innocent. The feeling vanished when our feline-sans-tail became curious and moved too close, earning him a well-placed foot to the rump. I suppose holiday spirit is only to be shared with other humans.

The fact is, we retain Christmas as a time to celebrate with family. But so often those wonderful should come pre-equipped with small arms - it may make them less bloody. My own family no longer holds these annual reunions, due mainly to the fact that none of them can stand being anywhere near each other. The reasons are so trivial and redundant, I can't understand why they should be kept anywhere but the distant past.

In the end, it's quite the Greek tragedy. The only thing that seems to last beyond Christmas anymore is the angst it seems to generate. You can feel free to celebrate these holidays as you wish, but realize I too will be holding to my own time-honored holiday plans: having a simple dinner for one, and retiring to continue research on one of my various projects. It's a tradition I've held to for some time, and one that needs not wait for one day of the year.