Shortest Blog Post Ever! Facebook

Facebook is a utility that allows you to connect to and find people who have in some way been in the same social setting as you. It allows someone to call themselves your friend provided you acknowledge that you knew them at one point in time. Good communication utility, though very public and addictive. Knowledge of it is both a blessing and a curse. There's so much to look and and ppl to find out you haven't talked to in ages. On the other hand, it is great at wasting your time.

iQueens

• iQueens
• Life @ Queens
  
• Rabbithole Feature: String Theory
  

Yes, today there is going to be a rabbithole feature.

Anyways, I was reading one of Queen's University's more serious weekly papers (ie not the Golden Words), and read that Queen's has decided to post selected media, including podcasts of lectures, videos of events, and video samples of episodes taken from selected media (videos, local shows) that have involved Queen's in some way on Apple's iTunes website. While Queen's is not the first University in North America to implement such a system, it is the first on in Canada to.
As I was reading this I started to think that by doing this, Queen's is unintentionally promoting Apple and their associated products in some way by hosting their media or making it available through iTunes. This ponderance almost brings me to the thought of the chicken and the egg situation:
Before I heard of Queen's doing this, I noticed how much of Apple's products existed on Queen's campus already. It seems almost everywhere I turn I see an Apple product, I think at between 1/3 and 1/2 of all Queen's students have an iPod or its variants on mp3 portable media (including the iPod, Mini, Nano, and Video); I have a Mini, but I got it before arriving at Queen's and discovered that everyone had one. In addition, probably half of the students in my classes have varying versions of Apple's laptop, the iMac or Macbook (sp?). So maybe Queen's has noticed this too and has decided to cash in/buy into the Apple product craze because of this.
On the other hand, if Queen's decision to do this is independent of the Apple media present on campus, then this might be a move to promote and increase the use of Apple products in a rather subtle way. I say subtle because all one needs to get the media off of iTunes is to log onto the iTunes website (I think it's by downloading Apple's [free] iTunes software and accessing the store through it), the media can then be transferred to compatible media. However, I believe there exists media that would only be compatible with Apple products outside iTunes. I'd have to check this out further.

Life at Queen's has been/is busy, but fun. For one thing, it's different than high school, or St. Lawrence, in that the class sizes are much bigger, and farther apart in terms of classroom location. A week or two ago I finished midterm season and am now starting Finals season. I am in the final week of class, so things are wrapping up with lectures and projects. In fact, I have my final project meeting in about 45 minutes, where we work on our final report for the project. Next week will be busy for me even though I have no classes. That will probably be because I'll be studying like crazy for the exams I have (rouighly a week and a half of them) that start on the 7th. I have 2 saturday exams two thursdays and a monday, so they are fairly spread out with a day or two in between them and 5 or 6 days before the first one starts. You'd think after all this time I'd miss being home in the west end for a while, but after living downtown for months now (since Aug 1), I no longer care that much about it. Don't get me wrong though; it's nice to go home after a while to visit the parents and spend time with them, but I've pretty much adjusted to life and friends down here. It's...different. It's nice.

Rabbit Hole Feature: String Theory.

Yes, there hasn't been a RHF here for a while and there should be one now. In the latter part of last week I was talking with some friends about scientific/philosophic theories about life and existence, and they started talking about what is known as String Theory. I'd briefly read a blurb about it in the Toronto Star but didn't really think about what it actually was. Upon discussing such a thing with others about it, they mentioned that it was a theory on what makes up everything. There was a 3 hour mini-series about it that aired on PBS a while ago but the entire documentary was available to watch online at the Nova Website. So taking a break from work on the weekend I decided to watch the first 2 hours (each hour at a separate time).
It all began with Sir Isaac Newton (the guy who had the apple fall on his head). He started describing the force of gravity. Later on, in the early 20th century, a fellow by the name of Albert Einstein was reviewing it too, but with a different purpose. At the time, he had been working in a patent office, but he was trying to do figure out why gravity did what it did (Newton knew how it worked, but didn't know why). Finally, Einstein came up with the famous theory of relativity to explain how a body of mass acts in relation to other bodies of varying masses. Celestial bodies, like the Sun, earth, and other planets have their own gravitational pull that act on the surrounding areas of space-time (yes, we clearly live in a world of 4 dimensions: 3 being the 3 dimensions of length, width, and depth and the last being time). This theoretical model worked in describing physical motion and, when combined with Newton's 3 laws, were enough to help launch a rocket into space.
The theory of gravity however, had a glaring flaw: It did not work when describing things on an atomic or subatomic level. To explain this, scientists around the same time as Einstein has developed a branch of physics known as Quantum Mechanics. Quantum mechanics described physical motion of particles using 3 different types of forces, separate from gravity: Electromagnetism, strong force, and weak force. These three were able to describe the motion of subatomic particles relatively accurately.
Just one problem. The theory of Quantum Mechanics and Gravity were essentially describing the motion of the same thing, relative motion of bodies, but on different scales. Einstein was looking for a Unified Theory that fit both theories together and could describe why the two bodies acted differently. Sadly, Einstein died before he could see his dream to completion.

However, in the mid 20th century, the string theory began to emerge. This theory uses the variants on the vibrations of a string to describe the varying nature of bodies, being analogous to the strings of a cello when bowed and how different lengths and vibratory orientations of it produce different notes. Similarily, if a string vibrates in a different way (even the opposite way), it could produce different properties. These supposed strings are said to be some tens of thousands of times smaller than the quarks (which are particles that make up the protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom) and are basically very very tiny strings of pure energy.

Imagine that you are viewing a lamp post from, say 50 metres away. To you it would look like a 2 dimensional line, having a length and a width. But if you zoomed in, you'd realize that it actually had depth as well; you could see that it also has a depth, going away and towards you. A third dimension. Now, from 50m away you might say, "I can still see that it has a depth", but at a distance like that you have to at least admit that it can give the appearance of being 2 dimensional. Applying that same type of thinking to these itsy bitsy strings, it isn't had to theorize that these strings may possibly consist of more than the 2 dimensions that we see them in (possibly 3). This part is a little hard to wrap your head around (it was for me so explaining it may not make sense), but imagine that the string exists not in 2 dimensions, not 3, but as many as six different dimensions, vibrating uniquely in each of these dimensions. We already live in a world of 4 dimensions. Imagine six.
It is theorized that the variation of the vibrations these strings are responsible for the development of literally everything that exists, not just matter, but the defining moments for what holds it together, including the weak nuclear force, for example, that holds the nucleus of an atom together. This force has to be a constant and extremely precise. Too strong and the atom would collapse upon itself and everything as we know it would cease to exist. Poof, bam, *pop*. Too weak, and it the bonds holding the nucleus together would break and atom would not be able to maintain cohesion, dispersion. Once again, everything ceases to exist. So these strings, and their vibrations, dictate the constants by which all other atoms are created, the forces holding them together, the atoms themselves, and their combinations.
Thus, if they can define virtually everything in the expanse of space-time from the smallest quark, to the largest celestial body (which is composed of many many quarks), maybe its possibly to imagine that these strings can define how things operate on a subatomic level and on a macroscopic level.

Several minor problems.

• These strings may only remain a theoretical idea because they are theorized to be so small that nobody can see them (roughly 1/10000th of the size of an electron)
  
• There are 5 differing, valid arguments on the nature of them, including whether or not they are open ended or closed, like a rubber band
  

I still haven't watched hour 3 yet so the entire theory is still not clear; apparently there exists as many as 11 dimensions with this theory. Fascinating stuff to watch at the very least.

Out.

Further up, further in.

• me update
• current events
• DGE Debate
• rabbithole feature

It's been a while since I last posted and I have some time now so I decided to update it. The last update detailed the Frosh week I had and the details within it. Since then I've started and been attending classes on a mostly regular basis (lectures are ok, but tutorials are vital). The core classes that I'm taking are Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Computers, and some Project class that's year long. The material from it all is not overly difficult, it's just a lot of work to keep on top of. As with all schoolwork, if you can keep up with it you should be fine. I started off the year thinking that, as a "young mature" student it'd seem socially awkward to be going to school with a class of 17 and 18 year olds who aren't old enough to go to the Clark Hall Pub (Centre of the Universe) for many of its events; those caught using a fake id will receive a tri-pub ban (there are 3 pubs in campus and Clark is the one above the bookstore). However, as time went on I've made friends with people who are actually a little older and may/can go to Ritual with me. As Engineers we seem to be big on traditions and displaying some of the "traditions" we've participated in on our GPA.

But enough about me.

I've been too busy lately to keep up with much of the news, but reading a copy of today's Toronto Star I briefly read an article that basically said that the US was detailing some sort of bill or law that would restrict access to space to those that were friendly with the U.S. Policies (in other words, Korea would be out). My first thought on this was, "How do the US and Friends plan to enforce such a situation....?" or are they implying the other result. I may have to read up more on it but just the headline seemed to imply that the US was growing into more of a state of policing the world and this might be a step towards policing space as well.
Another article in the Star detailed the opinions of Canadians towards the use of torture. The majority of respondents to the survey were not in support of the use of torture by any means, while a minority supported its use if it would save innocent life. Some of the methods involve described in the article included the use of sleep deprivation, extended use of cold (keeping someone naked in a room kept a 10c and splashing water on them periodically), having them sit or lie in uncomfortable situations for extended periods of time, or hitting or slapping them in a manner to provoke fear and pain but not internal/permanent injury to them.

Tuesday Night, I went to a debate that was advertised all over campus as "Does God Exist". It was a debate between two scholars (who had extensive degrees in various fields, including M. Eng. Eng. Phys, and Philosophy) who took opposing sides as to whether or not God exists. This debate was put on in Grant Hall by the Christian group known as Campus for Christ. I'd say between 50 and 100 people showed up for the event, though people left during the debate; it was midterm season. I left during the question period. I would have stayed longer but the longer I stayed the more I felt that the debate was getting absurd. The atheist's argument could be summarized in several points. -I can't see him, thus he doesn't exist-If He is an all good God, all evidence to the contrary (sic), why does He let bad things (she used Paul Bernardo as an example) happen to good/innocent people.The phrase "If God exists, all evidence to the contrary" was repeated ad nauseum.The Theist argued using several proposals, including one that argued that a specific protein present in all organic beings is so complex that it could not have been produced by any natural process.The debate on the whole repeated the above arguments and at one point the Atheist proclaimed that the theist was insane, citing the definition for clinical delirium when the Theist said that he had experienced God in an attempt to nullify the Atheist's argument. Having seen all that I cared to I left.

Rabbit Hole Feature. Can't think of one atm...maybe later.

1:40:45 WE BROUGHT SEXY BACK!

1:40:45 WE BROUGHT SEXY BACK

By far one of the best weeks I've had: Frosh week at Queen's - You may have heard it said that it is legendary across Canada. I only figured that every university said that. That is, until I walked into a local diner down the street from my new apartment after the Highland Games (see below for details) and was asked by a diner about the orientation. She was from a University in Alberta and her orientation was nothing like this...much more tamer. While this was only one opinion it still held water. Anyways, here's how my week started off:

FYNIRS: First Year Not In Rez. (Students)

In a nutshells this orientation was for students in first year (across all faculties) who chose not to live in residence. This orientation included various activities, including a barbeque, olympics, speakers, and live entertainment, and a cruise with cheers interspersed between the various campus living locations.

App. Sci. Orientation:

This orientation is given a lot more energy and is regarded as crazy by even other faculties. The first day, it was pretty much made clear which faculties the Engineering Faculty was friendly with and which ones they were rivals with (more of a orientation thing); the feelings were always mutual between faculties (if we liked them they liked us and vice versa):

* Alliances: Nurses (Nurses! Nurses! We Love Nurses!), Queen's Bands (We love Queen's Bands, We love Queen's Bands)
* Neutral/unspecified: ConEd, Med, PEC (though they have been made fun of in past year cheers).
* Mortal Enemies/Rivals: Commerce (nicknamed commies), Artsci's (McDonald's employees)

I've stored our year's Eng. Cheer somewhere but it's hidden because it does contain offensive content.

DAY ONE: Return of the Frecs.

Anyways, once the orientation started, we were put into Grant Hall, separated into groups and sat through a few talks from the Engineering Brass. This was followed by a video about summoning the warriors of the past back to the battlefield, which ended with figured in black hooded cloaks entering the Hall. When the song ended, the robes were cast off, revealing the chief frecs who yelled at everyone in the hall, getting them to mosh (jumping up and down). Then we were directed outside amidst the yelling taunts and water from other frecs and their water guns.
Outside we got into our assigned groups where we were introduced to our group leaders/frecs. There we were told to do several things.

• mosh
• sizzle (lie on the ground and pretend you're sizzling bacon/sausage)
• mosh
• respond to their questions (Them: How X is Y frosh? Us: SO X)
• mosh
• taunt other faculties, mainly artsci's and commerce/commies
• mosh
• cheer and mosh around a chief frec or an action
• mosh
• learn engineering cheers
• mosh
• tour campus
• mosh
• get our purple frosh shirts (to be worn for the rest of frosh week; read on and you'll know why)
• mosh

Later on we went into the ghetto (immediate student housing area around campus) to try and get some stuff/furniture for free by trading things (Event was Bigger and Better) for bigger and better things. At the end of our time we would present whatever we found to the chief frecs. The stuff presented ranged from furniture to vehicles (cars, trucks, snowplows) to deeds/keys to churches and other buildings.

That night we got our Engcuts

DAY TWO: THUNDERMUGS

There were basically 3 major events today: Thundermugs, Go Nuts, and TNL.

Thundermugs.
Using the furniture (the cars, deeds, and keys had to be returned shortly after BnB) we got in Day One we had to basically build thrones that were carried by the frosh with a frosh sitting on top. There were two interesting details about the thundermugs. One, each one had to use a toilet as the seat, carrying the lightest frosh. Two, upon completion, the lightest frosh in each group sat upon the thundermug as it was being carried by other frosh through an obstacle course as frecs threw thundersludge at us.

Go Nuts!
Later on that afternoon we gathered at Mack Corry Parking Lot for what's known as Go Nuts! This was an event participated by the Alumni. Now, the Alumni did not have to sign contracts like the FRECs did and were not obligated to keep the frosh sober nor stay sober themselves around frosh. Here's what we were told about it.

You will get into a car with an alumni. Once in the car you will be brought to an undisclosed location and they will open up their trunk for you. In the trunk may or may not be cases, which may or may not be filled with alcohol. You (and your fellow frosh) are not allowed to leave until the cases are empty. You are going to be so pissed when you come back.

If you still want details about this leave a comment with your email address.

TNL:
This event was entertainment provided by the frec committee where we learned who they were. We also chose our year verse (sung after the engineering year verse). Each year verse is different per year. If you want to know our year verse also let me know in the comments with your email address. Warning though, it contains rather coarse language or I'd put it on here; it is not the same as the Oil Thigh (below) but it follows the same tune. It was here that we saw our FRECs without their eng cuts and depurpled.

DAY THREE: HIGHLAND GAMES.

That was the big event for this day. Think olympics, peat, and water. Here the frosh groups participated in various events (moshing intermittently) that involved getting dirty in mud. If you weren't dirty the FRECs made sure you were dirty. This was particularly fun because occasionally we got to dirty pretty much anyone who got near the mud pit. We also had mud fights as well. It was here that we chose our Year Song (Officially Sum41's Over My Head...but another was more popular...guess which one). We also were given tips for the hallowed event tomorrow.
Immediately after was the Commie Shoutout. There we shouted cheers at them (commerce students) and they shouted cheers at us. We were told whoever lost (decided by some neutral committee party) would have to run towards the lake and jump in. Apparently, the engineering frosh have never lost in 50 years. Naturally, after about 15 minutes of shouting, the commies ran towards the lake. After we saw them leave some of our frosh gave chase (something we weren't supposed to do as the FRECs had to try to stop them). Anyways, that was the end of that day. That night there was an All-Faculty concert, which was ok, but nothing too wonderful.

DAY FOUR: END GAME

All of the events during frosh week were optional, including this one. Despite that, this event is the one event I made sure not to miss. At about 8:00pm all the frosh, FRECs, actions, and alumni pile onto buses and went to an undisclosed location (frosh weren't allowed to know) where the hallowed Grease Pole was. It was a 25 - 30 ft metal pole covered in lanolin (used to be grease, but lanolin was slicker, and more environmentally friendly) standing in a pit filled with water and mud. On the pole was a tam (stolen from the Artsci's) nailed to the top. Our goal as frosh was simple: get the tam. After several tries and interruptions (one person had to be taken to hospital by ambulance - he's fine tho; that was a precaution), the upper years and alumni got into the pit to help us. Our official time on getting the pole was 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 45 seconds, we got the tam. Once we got the tam, we were considered a year. We moshed to our year song (both official and unofficial) and chanted our year verse.

Day Five: Eng Clubs/Semi Formal/Conclusion.

This day was more relaxed. No more moshing or sizzling. We could change out of our frosh week clothes (which we had been wearing through thundermugs, highland games, and the grease pole unwashed - I still have mine unwashed) and into some nice clothes for the conclusion of frosh week at a gathering where we heard a motivaitonal speaker and thanked our Chief Frecs, as well as got a nicely cooked meal. We also found out who our Hardcore Frosh was (they get a bar on their GPA as well as the previous years pain chains). Tomorrow we would begin classes

All in all it was an unforgettable experience and week. That was two weeks ago. I'm two weeks into classes now and well..midterms are creeping up. Can't wait to get my GPA (accepting donations for it now) :P

OIL THIGH!

Oil thigh na banrighinn na banrighinn gu brath,
Oil thigh na banrighinn na banrighinn gu brath,
Oil thigh na banrighinn na banrighinn gu brath,
Cha-Geill! Cha-Geill! Cha-Geill!

SING!

Queen's college colours we are wearing once again
soiled as they are by the battle and the rain,
yet another victory to wash away the stain
so Gael's go in and win

SING!

Oil thigh na banrighinn na banrighinn gu brath,
Oil thigh na banrighinn na banrighinn gu brath,
Oil thigh na banrighinn na banrighinn gu brath,
Cha-Geill! Cha-Geill! Cha-Geill!

WHO'S THE KING OF SPORTS?
QUEEN'S QUEEN'S QUEENS!
OIL THIGH NA BANRIGHINN
CHA-GEILL! CHA-GEILL! CHA-GEILL!

Goooooooooooooo Queens!!!

Queen's College colours we are wearing once again,
Soiled as they are by the battle and the rain,
Yet another victory to wipe away the stain,
So, Gaels go in and win!

So you think you can take that bottle of water on the flight with you?

• reality tv
• post 9-11

Reality Killed the Television Star.

...Or more accurately, reality tv killed television. For me anyways. Now I may have blogged about this before but I am blogging about it again. This time because I've become even more disgusted (for lack of a better word at the moment) with the way television programming has gone downhill. Last time I blogged about reality television, I probably mentioned the fact I believed that it all started with either "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?", hosted by Regis Philbin, (who once had a daytime show like Oprah or Maury) or Survivor.
I remember the initial euphoria surrounding the Millionaire phenomenon when it arrived. First showing up in two week segments before disappearing for a while, I remember it being the talk of many of my friends and others at school who quickly became attached to the show, parking themselves in front of the tv to watch it and await its return months down the road. Same thing happened with Survivor (which I think is in its 10th season, having done "specials" like All-Stars or something like that). For details about that search for the later blogs on here for that.
I'm not saying that TV has no good programming; I still think scripted non-reality tv can still be good: Sitcoms, TV-Dramas (24, House, Lost for example). Reality tv has become, IMHO, the worst thing to happen to tv. Most recently last night when I was waiting for CBC's The National to come on. I saw advertisements for two reality shows (as if there aren't enough already, "So you think you can Dance/Sing/Impress Celebrity Judges/Juggle/Eat/Run/Jump/Smile/etc...") starting in September, which indicated to me that writers want to milk Reality TV watchers' interest have also run out of ideas of what to use for Reality TV. The first one opened with a dark screen with an ominous voice telling the viewers that they live among us....and are a threat to all of us. It turns out that this is a reality show intended to showcase what the show considers to be America's Worst Drivers (or Canada's I wasn't really paying too much attention)....This is apparently the second season of the show.
The other show, was one called America's Biggest Loser. You can probably guess what they're planning to showcase on that show. But more disturbing than the fact that these two shows are still being aired is the fact that they will probably be viewed by a sizable audience. This prediction may not be true, though, as there was at least one show in the United States ("The One: Making of a Music Star") that was cancelled after two weeks due to low ratings. In Canada, the CBC, at last update, was about to move "The National" in favour of this reality show, but its current demise is now uncertain. But the two reality shows I mentioned above seem to be targeting a rather different audience than the ones that seem to be over-hyped versions of Star Search. Instead of focusing on the general abilities of the various "ordinary" people, these people are gaining their 15 minutes of fame by showing themselves as having a form of societal defiency (I can't drive, or I am a loser). This is still my opinion here, but I'm thinking that this show is designed to give the viewers a sense of satisfaction in watching these people. When watching a particularily bad driver, they'll say to themselves, "Whoa, I'm glad I'm not as bad a driver as that person" or "Haha, that person's such a loser; It's a good thing I'm not like that" as they sit on their couch, chair or whatever watching the tube. In order to appear somewhat therapeutic, the shows may offer to help these people with their problems and tell the story of their recovery (thus, becoming a more on-the-street version of Maury). Or with the way things are going with reality shows, it may hold a contest to see who is the worst of the group, with the worst being the recipient of the help they need.
Of course, all of this may be just pure speculation spewed out of the mind of a ranter who doesn't know what he's talking about; he may be completely wrong and the reality shows may turn out to be quality programming. But my experiences watching reality shows (Survivor season 1 and 2, Murder in Small Town X, Fear Factor, Millionaire, Amazing Race*, The Mole* and Big Brother [off and on]) have left me more cynical about reality shows, especially ones on tv now.

Last week, all over the news, it was found that in England somewhere, about two dozen suspects were arrested for planning to blow up planes using liquid explosives. In order to prevent such a thing from happening (just in case there are more like-minded people out there), international airports have imposed restrictions on items that can be included on a person's carry-on belongings

• all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, tooth paste, hair gel and other items of similar consistency
• baby formula and medicines may be allowed, but must be presented for inspection

Any medicines required to be brought on had to be accompanied by their owner and baby formulas would probably have to be demonstrated as real (partially tested by passengers).

The aftermath of these restrictions produced several shortfalls: Check-in process times increased, and the in-airport stores saw their sales drop to a point where they had to close, laying off their associated employees, possibly until the restrictions are lifted. At the risk of sounding careless or like a flamer, I think this shows an indication of an illusion of freedom shared by the dominant free world. After the tragedy of 9-11 (if you haven't heard of it, two commercial flight planes flew into New York's World Trade Towers, killing some 5,000 citizens....google for details), the United States, led by George W. Bush (Junior), declared war on who he saw as the threat to the "Free World", calling it the "War on Terror". In the time that followed up until now, Junior vowed to eliminate all threats to the free world, spouting out words that have been echoed by allies and the media: Freedom, Terror, War, Democracy, Evil, Good. While I don't know the details of the events leading up to the 9-11 attacks nor that of the war that followed (I won't cite references made in certain "documentaries" that I consider to be heavily biased), what I have noticed is certain things have become more prominent. Immediately after the attacks, men of middle-eastern descent became targets for racial abuse (I know there was verbal abuse, I can't recall any physical incidents off the top of my head).

A year later I was having a discussion about this with someone close to me and they made note that, while he isn't visibly bothered by being around anyone regardless of race, there have been a few occasions where he has seen them walking around town and felt the need for more caution around them than around others. In addition, I have also learned of other occasions where people I know have come to similar suspicions about those around them. Whether these people were right or wrong to make these types of associations I don't know; I don't form opinions on these types of things but what I have noticed, however, is that, since 9-11, people seem to live in a fragile illusion of freedom and normality (if that's word) going about their daily lives, working, going to school, paying their taxes. But once their government tells them that these lifestyles are in jeopardy they are more willing to give up some liberties in return for security, hoping to ensure that they can maintain their lifestyles. And as a result of this War on Terror, I believe that to a varying (however mildly) extent, people of middle eastern ethnicity have been villainized for some.

I dunno...maybe I'm just taking my securities and freedoms for granted. Maybe I'm ungrateful for all the liberties I enjoy. But all the current events that have been in the news still echo one question that I have posed before: How much are you willing to give up to get what you want?

/rant

My life in a van...or two and a car...

Rabbithole feature below.

A few weeks ago I moved out of my parents' house to a bachelor's apartment downtown. Despite lacking some of the luxuries I enjoyed back at my 'rents' house, the place is my own and is in a great location for me to be while I go to school to get my Eng. degree. Initially, everything I'd packed in the weeks leading up to the move seemed like only one van load...tops. However, it was very fortunate that I had some very good friends (and their vehicles) help me with the move because I ended up requiring all of their storage space as well for the move. And for their help I am very grateful.
The timing had one downside, though, as I was moving from a location with air conditioning to one without...at the start of what was to be a heat wave. Thus, I began my bachelor life sleeping in 40 deg C weather at night, trying to get my body to physiologically adapt to it so I could live without the fans I had brought with me; this incidentally led me to have one sleepless night before work. Luckily it ended with a storm that I welcomed with glee as it lowered the temperature enough to allow me to sleep like a baby (Yes, I know the storm has devastating effects elsewhere and for that I'm sorry).

Rabbit Hole Feature (Part I) begins here...
But yet another thing happened that I did not really notice until a while ago and it got me thinking about this post's Rabbit Hole Feature. Before the move the weather was only a little cooler than after the move and was, thus, fairly hot (near 30s). I was comfortable in the air-conditioned environments of home and work and sweated. But after the move I suddenly felt freezing at work and fine at home or outside. Now, I initially thought that this was possibly due to the fact that my body had physiologically adapted to the weather condition/climate change and I had adapted already. But then I got thinking about several other factors that might have contributed.

• Work:
• At work, with the onset of the heatwave, the Climate control people decided that, in order to maintain a comfortable work environment and counter the rise in heat, they would pump up the AC in order to lower the temperature of the outer offices to a more comfortable level. Since my office/work area is in the inner area (quite possibly the literal centre of the building block), I would not have any sun or humidity to be countered by the AC and would thus have my office temp lowered since the entire building is on the same unit.
• Home/Outside:
• Being the summer, I keep my windows open to have the temperature moderate itself in the room and also to keep it from being stuffy indoors. It might have been that the temperatures have cooled down, resulting in a more normal temperature setting that I've been used to at my parents' house with the AC.
  

The combination of the above two factors may have given me the illusion of my body's physiological adaptation to the surrounding environment.

Rabbit Hole Feature 2:

This one's more of a story but it presents an interesting thought.

Frank was a famous lawyer in his city. One day he was asked by a younger lawyer named Ernest who had just earned his bar to help him start up his practice, aiding him with instructions. Naturally the younger lawyer offered to pay Frank for his services and Frank agreed to take Ernest under his wing under the condition that Ernest pay Frank once Ernest had won his own case. Until then, Ernest would continue to study under Frank. A contract was signed with these conditions before the instruction started.
For some reason, Ernest was unable to win a case for a long time and, after a couple of years of this going on, Frank decided he had had enough and needed to be paid. So he did what he thought would be a mark of genius on his part.

He sued Ernest.

He figured that if he won the court would award him the money he'd been owed plus court fees. However, if he lost, that would mean Ernest had won the case and would be obligated to fulfill the terms of the contract and pay Frank anyways.

Ernest, however, saw this in a different way. If he lost the case, he would not be obligated to pay since the contract would still not have been fulfilled and he would not legally have to pay Frank. However, if he won, he would not be legally obligated to pay Frank.

What do you think?