Brain Ball

Brain Ball is awesome. You win by finding your zen state, by relaxing your mind, by shutting off all unnecessary brain function. I was fortunate enough to try out this game at Wired NextFest over the weekend. To play, each player dons a electrode strap that measures brain activity. Sitting across from each other, a small ball rolls between each player. If the ball reaches your circle, you lose. The more active your brain is, the more you lose. I kicked ass for the first three rounds. My opponent didn't stand a chance. I tuned out all exterior stimuli and was in a total state of relaxation. Then, I got so excited about kicking ass that I lost the next two rounds. The kicker is that as you watch the little ball roll towards you, you become more stressed and anxious.

Other Wired NextFest favorites include Kick Ass Kung Fu, an android, and a holodeck prototype. My dreams of living in the world of Star Trek are coming true!

1:04:48

My official time for my first 10k run (6.2 miles) last Saturday. I surprised myself. I honestly wasn't sure that I could finish it, especially since I did it completely alone. Two friends who had originally said they'd run with me flaked. I'm not a runner. I don't know how to pace myself. But I did it! I ran at a ten minute mile pace. The first two miles were okay, I tried not to let it bother me that most people were way ahead of me. I kept glancing around to see if there were others like me wearing a red bib, bringing up the rear. Mile three had me doubting and considering veering off to the 5k course. I talked to myself. "Don't stop." "Just have to finish, only finish." Mile four hurt. I stopped to speed walk for a little bit. I found a groove in mile five. Mile six passed quickly. At the finish line, I think I could have gone another .2 miles. I'm proud of myself. Next goal is to do this under an hour.

quote, end quote

"Truth exists, only lies are invented." - Georges Braque
"Tenderness is a deeper instinct than seduction,..." - Michel Houellebecq

a little bird told me

i miss my friends. i'm curious what everyone is up to. if i could be a bird, i would fly off to visit every one of my old friends. i would spend a day perched on my friend's shoulder. i'd watch and see what (s)he's up to. it'd be like bring your friend to your life day...except, my friend won't know i'm there. i just want to observe and make sure everyone is doing alright.