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Retired from 10 years in the Canadian Navy, and 28 years in the Canadian Diplomatic Service, with postings in Beijing, Mexico City, Sri Lanka, Romania, Abu Dhabi, Guyana, Ireland, Trinidad, and, last but not least, India.

Sunday 15 December 2013

On Elementary Fermions





“The Standard Model recognizes two types of elementary fermions: quarks and leptons. In all, the model distinguishes 24 different fermions: 6 quarks and 6 leptons, each with a corresponding anti-particle.” ~Wikipedia

Is it any wonder,
considering our composition,
that we are so conflicted
about the human condition?

We are composed of empty space,
fermions, and unknown matter:
we should not be surprised
we’re as mad as any hatter.

It’s not so much the fermions
that drive me to dismay,
but the cursed anti-particles
keep getting in the way!

With such internal chaos,
malignant and benign,
progress forward must be random, 
and not by our design.

Perhaps quantum realignment 
can save us from ourselves:
not a Theory of Everything,
but one of Everything Else!

~James D. Fanning

The Ancient Hippie

The Ancient Hippie
Natraj dances with us all.

Welcome, and Namaste

Greetings fellow travellers,

For you American friends visiting, you will notice that this old Canadian uses Canadian English in this blog: kindly bear with me. As I blog primarily on subjects that are vitally interesting to me, I appreciate all feedback.

As I tend to be a bit of a language usage freak, I will, as required, edit obscenity and rude comments. That said, I welcome your opinions and discussion.

May your Dharma be clear

Peace

"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended:
That you have but slumb'red here,
While these visions did appear."


Puck’s epilogue to A Midsummer Night’s Dream