The Book of Ashes

Excerpt from some scientist magazine: the optic nerve as a data input device 1:57AM

An excerpt from some scientist magazine...


""...the optic nerve, acting as a direct link from the input senses in the eye (the rods and cones) to the brain, does not only convey data, it also analyses it at a level unrivaled by todays computers. Effectively it acts as a complex neural network, compressing, enhancing and analysing the data from the eye until its end product is informative information on colour, movement, edges and objects. This data is then conveyed directly to the brain where it is subjected to our thought processes and stored in our memory because as was proven by Hutches & Case the human brain remembers much if not all of what it saw on a given specific day. They even go so far as to speculate that the brain may store all information it sees in a day (or is capable of storing all information if maintained correctly, degredation through adolescence can lead to loss of visual memory capability as proven by a decline of photographic memories from the age of 5yr olds compared to that of any other age above 20. (aprox 5% of population for 5yr olds)). Their investigations into the phenomenon of photographic memories lead them to believe that individuals possessing this talent only differed from those who didn't in their ability to recall the information stored in an image they had seen. Under hypnosis, those who didn't qualify as having photographic memories were able to perform as good as or better in visual memory recall than those who did qualify as having photographic memories but were not under hypnosis.

This study suggests an interesting alternative for the eye other than that of sight. It seems possible that the eye (and optic nerve) can be used as an alternative input device, a direct optic link from the outside world to the brain. Information could be sent down the optic nerve, being processed on the way to be stored in the brain and recalled at any later date. Although this concept is not new and has been brought up in science fiction books and magazines before as a didactic tool to replace our current teaching techniques at schools, the method of delivery and imprint have not been investigated nor adequately described. This article attempts to fill in these gaps and suggest a method for delivery of information down the optic nerve...""

ok so thats not a direct excerpt, I had to paraphrase it (put it in my own words) as I don't have the original infront of me as I wrote that. If you guys are interested in more let me know I can finish it off if you want

My first Valentines... 2:54AM

I've had a pretty good weekend really but not consisting of my usual activities. Firstly I didn't drink more than three glasses of wine and so wasn't hung over once this weekend. Most unlike me. Secondly I actually had a valentines date. Picture me walking down the street in the pouring rain (and I mean pouring, Majoribanks St gutters had become small rivers in their own rights), holding an umbrella up to protect a single rose from the rain and wind and you have me to a tee. I was pretty nervous as I have never brought flowers for a girl before (see my latest survey question, I usually fell in the middle category) but it all went pretty well. Thirdly I didn't catch up with the people I usually do, no Techtonics people, no other friends, nothing but Bryth. Bryth came round and barely managed to beat me 2 games to 1 at chess (he offered me a draw on one of his wins as we were deadlocked but I took a risk hoping he'd make a mistake and lost, my bad). He then proceeded to beat me at Tennis, my first game for this summer. He has played lots though so that was to be expected.

Sunday was an impromptu laid back BBQ at Martins place with Dan, Kat, Bev, Jo, Martin and some of his mates. Fried meat in massive quanities wrapped in white bread and sause is all good. I think there was a little bit of salad there but only for decorative purposes. It was determined that I was the strongest guy there (after Bev & Dan had left) by my ability to curl 5 dumbells at 25kg. Absurdly heavy, we think they might be Simon's weights. That night was quiet recovery and a good sleep. Today I have finally got on to getting our washing machine fixed (guy comes round tonight) as I'm almost out of underwear... drastic measures are called for.

I have some questions but they are not to be voiced. I lack answers but maybe time will reviel them. I sit inside, shaded from bright sun. I must leave this house now..