Editorial notes: Shai documents his interpretation of Locke’s Theory of Knowledge[I] which, he explains, “is famous for being based on the principle that the mind is a blank slate” and that the mind is “gaining everything it knows by experience”. The need to acquire experience in order to gain knowledge is a principle by which Shai chose to live his life. Knowing now that this was his guiding...
Editorial notes: This Essay was found as a ‘draft’ entry in Everything2 and is published here with minor changes. BTW, if you are already here, check out the links in the second line of the title, below. Just hovering over them will give you some insight into Shai’s unique way of thinking and expressing himself. Discovering Geology at the Gariwerd Mountains; or...
In 2011, Universe published the ghoulishly-titled book 1001 Games You Must Play Before You Die[1]. The obvious question then follows, “Well, what’s number one?” The list’s ordered chronologically, but even so, it’s a game called The Oregon Trail. It’s from the mid 70’s. Today that makes it vintage, ten years ago it was old school, and ten years before...
Editorial notes: This Essay was found as a ‘draft’ entry in Everything2. It was last updated on 17/04/2013. Here’s an idea: What if a conspiracy does not need its members to be knowing participants? What next? We could go ahead and define a type of conspiracies as being those entities whose members are unknowing participants (MaUPs) – and these we can call m-conspiracies...
Bipolar is often treated with lithium… If the bipolar lifestyle is a rollercoaster ride, then lithium is one of the more established seatbelts available. Lithium is considered the gold standard treatment for bipolar. While it is not as effective in the treatment of acute depression, it is very effective for acute mania as well as for maintaining stability. Technically lithium is just...
People are strange, when you’re a stranger The Doors – People Are Strange We’re born into a world submerged in strangers. They – the strangers – are everywhere, doing so many different things, and we know almost nothing about them. Looking around, we realize that we live between the cogs of an impersonal, gigantic clockwork; and yet, we’re social creatures...
I’m on a plane with cocaine, And yes I’m all lit up again[I]. The mystery of cocaine. When not applying his exacting mind to the mysteries of tenuous circumstances, the fine detective of Baker Street would dispel the tedium that surrounded him with cocaine injections. Solving crimes and cruising coke channels describe an enviable lifestyle! Both activities would be expected to have...
Many drugs, and most drugs that are directed at cognitive processes (e.g. anti-depressants, hallucinogenics) target receptors. Receptors are proteins involved in the way cells in the body signal to each other. The following is a review of one particular type of receptor called the 5-HT2A receptor, and it’s role in mediating the effects of LSD. What is a receptor? Our body is made up of...
Pirahã[I] is a language which will make you rethink everything about the role of language in forming culture, perception, and even consciousness. If you’ve ever thought about the link between language and mind, then the basis for the implications will not be extraordinarily new. What will be new is how far those implications are stretched, and how possibly alien a human language could be. This...
Editorial notes: In November 2010, Shai begins the second phase of his intellectual journey with an essay dedicated to scientific summation. Throughout 2010 Shai’s writings are focused primarily on book reviews with the occasional venture into reviews of science. This focus shifts in 2013 when Shai produces 24 science-related compilations. Between November 2010 and June 2016, Shai produces 60...
