rune-echos

[rune-echos]

[rune-echos]

A Shadow Realm w/ Chirality and Science

I had this idea kind of randomly about how one could maybe make Shadow Worlds that are based in science.

Chirality in Science

Chirality refers to molecules existing in two mirror-image forms, like left and right hands. Life on Earth exhibits a single chirality: proteins use left-handed (L) amino acids, while DNA and RNA rely on right-handed (D) sugars. This uniformity defines Earth's biochemistry. Life with the opposite chirality (D-amino acids and L-sugars) would be chemically incompatible, unable to metabolize or interact with our biology.

The Setting

On this imagined world, life exists in two distinct chiralities—L-life and D-life—but they are phase-shifted, occupying the same physical space in separate dimensions. These ecosystems evolved in parallel, completely unaware of one another due to their phase-shifted nature.

Perception and Light

Each chirality perceives its world as vibrant and colorful, but their visible light ranges are tuned to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum:

L-life sees in the familiar visible spectrum (380–750 nm).

D-life perceives infrared or ultraviolet light, experiencing a unique and equally vibrant color palette.

When beings from one chirality cross into the other's phase, they perceive it as a "shadow realm," appearing dark or ghostly because their eyes cannot detect the other’s spectrum.

Interactions and Barriers

Biological Incompatibility: The two chiralities cannot metabolize or interact with each other’s biochemistry. Food, enzymes, and even cellular structures are incompatible.

Environmental Overlap: Both chiralities share the same terrain, water, and atmosphere, but their phase-shifted existence prevents direct interaction.

Phase Disruptions: Rare natural phenomena or advanced technology can create brief overlaps, allowing one chirality to glimpse or even temporarily interact with the other.

Atmosphere

The phase-shifted nature of the chiralities creates an eerie, dual-layered reality:

L-life perceives D-life as fleeting shadows or faint echoes, contributing to myths or fears of a parallel existence.

Similarly, D-life sees L-life as ghostly and incomprehensible, reinforcing the mystery of the "shadow realm."

This world offers a unique setting where two ecosystems coexist in the same physical space but remain blind to each other, defined by their distinct biochemistries and perceptions of light. Their separation by phase and perception shapes an environment of isolation and mystery.

[rune-echos]

Forced to be Toxic and Unreal

I'll be honest, I've been part of the problem. As a white American heterosexual male, I've spent countless hours looking up pictures of sexy women, mindlessly scrolling through same homogenous images of women: large breasts, tiny waists, flawless skin, and vacant expressions. It's only recently, with the Supreme Court's disturbing rulings and the vitriol surrounding them, that I've realized how deeply ingrained the objectification of women is in our culture. It's a sickening truth that women have been shouting for decades, while many men, myself included, have turned a blind eye. It's easier to believe in a fair world, a meritocracy, than to confront the uncomfortable reality that women are often viewed as tools or objects, not fully human.

This distorted perception seeps into every aspect of our lives, from casual conversations to the highest levels of power. It's in the filters and algorithms that bombard women with impossible beauty standards, erasing their pores, smoothing their wrinkles, and chipping away at their self-worth. It's in the endless stream of AI-generated images that present a single, narrow vision of beauty, denying the kaleidoscope of shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities that make up the human experience.

This lack of diversity isn't just an aesthetic issue; it's a reflection of the deep-seated biases that permeate our society and our technology. AI, with its infinite creative potential, is being used to regurgitate the same tired tropes, reinforcing the harmful idea that women's worth lies solely in their adherence to an unrealistic ideal. This lack of imagination, this inability to see beyond a single, narrow definition of beauty, is a symptom of a society that equates emotions and vulnerability with weakness, a society that teaches boys to suppress their creativity and conform to rigid gender roles.

It makes me wonder, how many men are endlessly searching for a partner who fits the mold they've been told they want, a fantasy that's both unattainable and ultimately unfulfilling? This pursuit of an idealized image, fueled by harmful stereotypes, distorts our perception of women and perpetuates a cycle of objectification and dissatisfaction.

This whole thing just makes me mad. We've built a world that squashes creativity, limits our understanding of beauty, and shoves these awful stereotypes down everyone's throats. It's like we're all stuck in this loop, generation after generation, men and women both getting hurt by it. We have to break free, for our own sake and for each other. We need to demand better. We need to see each other, truly see each other, in all our messy, glorious complexity. We need to celebrate the beauty that comes in every shape, size, and color. This world needs more than a fix that comes from technology. The world needs understanding, kindness, and courage to embody both as the new standards of beauty. Beauty isn't a competition; it's a spectrum, and everyone deserves a place on it.

[rune-echos]

Washington Pass Overlook Milky Way

[rune-echos]

Occam's Razor

Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)

This unassuming straight razor appears ordinary at first glance. Its silver handle is worn smooth with age, and its steel blade, though sharp, bears the nicks and scratches of frequent use. However, this is no mere grooming tool.

Razor's Edge: While attuned to this razor, you gain advantage on Insight checks to determine the true nature or motive behind a creature's actions.

Shaving the Truth: As an action, you may use the razor to shave your own facial hair (or the hair of a willing creature). While shaving and for 1 minute afterwards, you are overcome with a clear and unflinching understanding of the truth behind a single situation or question you focus on. This truth is often harsh and may be difficult to accept, but it is undeniable.

The Price of Truth: After using the razor to shave the truth, you must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or gain one level of exhaustion. You can only use the razor in this way once per long rest.

Curse: If you use this razor to harm another creature, you are instantly struck with a curse. The razor's edge becomes dull and useless, and you become blind to all but the most superficial truths of the world around you. This curse can only be lifted by a Wish spell or divine intervention.

[rune-echos]

Song - I Hate People

I Hate People, it’s plain to see. I Hate People, just let me be. I Hate People, the world’s insane, with every headline making me strain, yeah!

I Hate People, can't take no more. I Hate People, they're such a bore. I Hate People, no end in sight, with every new tweet that ignites a fight.

Now some just rant and some just rave, but I am staying clear. Not with a crowd or even aloud, but hiding out right here.

I Hate People, they're everywhere! I Hate People, but do they care? I Hate People, it’s all too much, with every blunder, fight, and such!

[rune-echos]

The Most Radical Days

This poem is written for my sister, who I love very much, for her birthday.

With laughter loud and wild heart beats, Dear sis shines, her moves so neat. She dropped her bike to mend my scrapes, A hero's cloak, no capes, just gapes.

Recalling days of Easter hunts, In our backyard, pulling stunts. Hella fun, we searched for eggs, Our laughs and shouts—yeah, no begs.

Through years, her vibe strikes a chord, Like anthems rad, not once ignored. Fuckin’ A, Tweety, on this day we laugh, My sister, the most wicked, better half.

[rune-echos]

Just letting the void know that I'm done putting in effort to navigate social situations.

I'm done interpreting small gestures or micro-expressions.

I'm done trying to "get a clue" or "take a hint".

I'm done feigning being shy or polite.

I am done restricting myself for other people who don't understand my autism.

If you have something to say, you better tell it to my face and clearly. Because I will simply ignore any of the cues and hints that I've manually conditioned myself to notice and react to as a kid. I will just take it at face value.

[rune-echos]

The Flow

The city whispered the secret in the thrumming of its forgotten veins. Not an audible sound, but a vibration that wormed its way into the bones of the lost, the seekers yearning for a truth that shredded the fabric of sanity. It was a call only they could hear, a resonance with the ancient pulse that beat beneath the streets, in chambers older than the stones of the Earth itself.

The descent was never planned. One step led to a forgotten stairwell, then a crumbling passage, and always, the thrum throbbed stronger. The tunnels weren't built, but grown – impossibly smooth, cylindrical, a disconcerting warmth radiating from their walls. In the absolute darkness, a thread of sickly luminescence drew them onward, a river of liquid, flowing in defiance of gravity through the center of the tunnels. It pulsed, and split, and coiled back into itself, changing direction on a whim, a perpetual dance with no source, no destination.

To touch it was to touch nothing. Yet it reacted, rippling in patterns too complex for the eye to follow. In the tunnel's mirrored surface, however, the watcher's reflection began to subtly change. At first, it was barely noticeable – a faint blurring at the edges, a hint of luminescence seeping into the figure's outline. But with each passing moment, the transformation accelerated. The reflection's form grew hazy, its features dissolving into the flowing light. A strange, unsettling euphoria flickered across the distorted face, a happiness tinged with a desperate eagerness. It was as if the reflection itself was yearning to be absorbed, to become one with the endless flow.

Then, the chamber: a monstrous cavern glistening beneath a ceiling lost to darkness. Here, the thrum was a roar, barely tolerable. At its heart lay the vast, iridescent pool, shimmering like spilled starlight. The ancient entity stirred in its depths, its presence a vast, incomprehensible thing older than time. It summoned with the promise of an end to isolation, a transcendence into oblivion. Thoughts stuttered and dissolved. Hope was an absurdity. Here, the only truth was annihilation, an irresistible absorption into the endless, mindless flow.

Why the call came, why certain souls answered it – those were mysteries for another age, perhaps one that would never exist. For now, the pulse echoed, and somewhere deep beneath the streets, another lonely soul felt the resonance in their bones, and began to descend. Theirs would be a sacrifice, a tithe paid in flesh and sanity to keep the veil thin, to keep the entity slumbering in its ancient prison. The cost was oblivion for a chosen few, a terrible secret to carry, but a necessary price to ensure the continued, oblivious existence of the rest of the world. The city above would never know the horror that lurked beneath, the monstrous hunger that pulsed in the darkness. Theirs was a life on borrowed time, a fragile normalcy bought with a soul.

[rune-echos]

Having Undiagnosed Autism

There are many definitions of autism, and for me, it has always manifested as a difficulty in understanding the world in the same way others do. This is not an official description of autism, but it reflects my personal experience. Although I haven't been officially diagnosed, my therapist believes it's very likely, and the symptoms resonate with me. The more I learn about autism, the more I recognize these patterns in my life, seeing them not as results of immaturity but as aspects of autism. One of the most significant signs for me is stimming; I find myself constantly engaging in this behavior, whether it's with my fingers, heels, arms, or tongue, to increase sensory input or provide a sense of calm. As I write this, I am stimming and rocking back and forth, which brings me comfort.

During my childhood, autism wasn't commonly tested for. Being born in 1979, I grew up in a time when the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Third Edition (DSM-III) didn't have a clear category for autism as we understand it today. The 1980s saw the introduction of "infantile autism" as a category, differing from the previous DSM-II, which still included criteria for childhood schizophrenia. It's important to note the significant gaps in understanding autism during that era. Some might think that my family or my education failed to provide the support I needed, but the reality is that the awareness and resources simply weren't available. Born in 1979, by 1984, I was just a five-year-old in a world that had yet to fully recognize autism.

As a high school math teacher, I've seen how educational policies have evolved. The legislation that came into effect in the 1990s, specifically the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), significantly improved support for children with autism. However, by the time these changes were implemented, I was already 11 years old and past the early detection stage. Despite the advancements, I was never tested for autism, and it was a similar case for many of my peers. We share experiences of navigating school and life with undiagnosed ADHD or ASD, relying on our parents and communities to do their best in a world that often left us feeling overlooked.

For some context, I was raised in an upper-middle-class family, though financial difficulties around the dot-com crash adjusted our status to more of a lower-middle-class by the time I finished high school in 1997. Despite these challenges, my upbringing was far from harsh. I was never subjected to abuse, always felt loved by my parents, and never lacked for necessities like food. My mother, in particular, was incredibly patient, attentively listening to my endless chatter, an example of her saint-like patience, especially considering she had no resources for handling my unique needs as a child. Being gifted and likely on the autism spectrum presented its own set of challenges, ones we couldn't fully grasp, partly due to the lack of medical insurance in our household. A hurtful remark from my aunt suggested I needed psychological help, which, despite her probable intentions to provoke my mother rather than express genuine concern, highlighted a solitary voice of advocacy for professional intervention in my life.

This background underscores a relatively stable family life, with parents whose marriage remained intact and who continue to be my staunchest supporters well into my adulthood. However, this stability contrasts sharply with my internal experience of drifting through life, often perplexed by the world around me. While I mastered basic social interactions and professional etiquette, deeper understanding eluded me, especially regarding social nuances and forming meaningful friendships. This confusion persisted into adulthood, although I have since developed a more nuanced understanding of people, albeit in a somewhat abstract manner.

Reflecting on this journey, the most poignant aspect for me is not the social confusion but the experience of meltdowns. While I don't recall significant meltdowns from early childhood, and my mother doesn't mention any, the vagaries of memory mean I can't be certain they didn't occur. It's the meltdowns in adulthood, of which I have three vivid memories, that stand out as particularly impactful.

The first incident involved my best friend, Justin, and my mother. To this day, I can't recall what sparked the episode. I do remember feeling incredibly overwhelmed and angry, with an intense urge to throw things or slam my fists, which I resisted due to my upbringing. As the argument, whose subject eludes me, escalated, my anger surged until I stormed off. This may seem like typical teenage behavior, likely amplified by hormones, but reflecting on it as an adult, I recall wondering, especially as I began to calm down, "Why am I so scared?" My body reacted as if I were in mortal danger, an utterly irrational fear that left me confused. I later made amends with Justin and my mother, who graciously accepted my apologies, and I resolved to prevent such outbursts in the future.

The second episode occurred well into adulthood, during an outing with my then-wife, Jeanette, at a county fair. We were about to enter a building for something Jeanette wanted, possibly food, though my memory is unclear. The environment was noisy, which I found distressing, not yet understanding my aversion to crowds and loud sounds. The meltdown happened when I was tasked with purchasing something from a vendor, faced with a long queue and a high-stress situation. When the vendor refused my request, knowing I had to disappoint Jeanette, my stress escalated into a full-blown meltdown. I yelled at the vendor, embarrassing both Jeanette and myself, and expressed things I would never consider doing. Jeanette's prolonged anger towards me added to my own self-reproach and shame. I unfairly blamed her, perceiving her expectations as inflexible, when in reality, I was overwhelmed by sensory overload and perceived failure in not fulfilling the task. This incident, which Jeanette attributed to anger management issues, led me to introspect about controlling my behavior, though it also left me with a deep sense of shame related to my suspected autism.

The third meltdown occurred when I was alone, during my studies to become a teacher. After failing a state teaching exam, I had to retake it, which was a significant financial burden. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the test was administered online, which clashed with my dual-monitor setup, a detail I was unaware would be an issue. When the testing company refused to refund my fee, blaming the failure on my technical setup, my frustration boiled over. I ended my call with a forceful slam of my phone, a reaction that alarmed even my dog. Reflecting on this, I recall feeling as though I was facing an existential threat, a sensation that bewilderingly subsided as I regained emotional composure, leaving me questioning the rationale behind my actions.

These instances underscore a recurring theme: the numerous intense arguments between my late ex-wife, Jen, and me, often fueled by my emotional responses rather than logical reasoning. I don't imply that the fault was entirely mine; our marriage was fraught with stress, a topic for another discussion. However, these experiences do reflect a pattern of emotional dysregulation, exacerbated by chronic sleep deprivation. The pressures of work, school, and other unpredictable situations would heighten my anxiety and sense of being overwhelmed, leading to moments where rational thought seemed to shut down. In an attempt to manage what I perceived as an anger issue and preserve my marriage, I adopted the maladaptive strategy of silence, avoiding the expression of my concerns.

Access to effective therapy during those times would have been beneficial, but that's a subject for another time. The coping mechanisms I developed involved withdrawing from others, becoming increasingly introverted and isolated. This withdrawal was driven by my confusion over my inability to "think my way out" of emotional turmoil, a skill I was led to believe I possessed as a gifted child.

It's only in the past five to six years that I've begun to understand my autism not as a flaw but as an intrinsic part of who I am. While my family, including my parents and sister, have always supported me and never made me feel deficient, the realization that I don't interact with the world in conventional ways was a challenge to face on my own. The affirmation from my therapist about the likelihood of me being autistic, accompanied by resources to learn more about autism, was a turning point. However, it was my engagement with Educational Psychology during my university studies that truly illuminated the symptoms of autism in a way that resonated with my experiences.

Currently, my focus is on identifying my triggers to either avoid or manage them effectively. The challenge lies in doing this without feeling or appearing incapable of functioning as an adult. The sense of shame I carry has deep roots, stemming from a childhood and adolescence filled with expectations to navigate life as if my cognitive processes mirrored everyone else's, which they do not.

To encapsulate my experiences, being a Gen X-er has provided me with a unique perspective on school and mental health, distinct from what newer generations might encounter. In my schooling years, "special ed" was reserved for those with significant disabilities, clearly segregated from "normal" classes. This binary classification meant that many of us, unaware of our own neurodivergences like depression or emotional dysregulation, remained undiagnosed and misunderstood. This isn't to suggest our challenges were more severe than those faced by students today, such as the fear of school shootings, but rather to highlight the stark differences in awareness and resources available.

In an era overwhelmed by information and, at times, misinformation, the call to "do your own research" has taken on various connotations, often muddled by conspiracy theories and political polarization. However, when it comes to understanding ourselves and our conditions, the abundance of resources at our disposal can be invaluable. We have the tools to learn about ourselves, beyond waiting for external validations or diagnoses. This autonomy in self-discovery and advocacy is what I believe is crucial. In the information age, it's imperative we harness these resources for personal growth and understanding. This is the message I hope to impart: advocate for yourself, delve into research for your own well-being, and make the most of the information age.

[rune-echos]

[rune-echos]

ds9 characters as onion/reductress articles

[rune-echos]

Bonus Day

There was a huge championship sporting event today: the indoor track state meet, of course!

It was a really, really good day for us.

It's always fun, as a coach, when a bunch of your athletes end up with medals around their necks, and they definitely did today (11 of them, to be specific), but what's even better is that they all did the best they possibly could. Five of those medals were gold, nearly every athlete PRed, four of our school records came down...

And the sportsmanship!

Athletes from different teams were cheering for each other, shaking hands and high-fiving after competing, and helping each other out. It was so good to see that. When another team's coach came looking for spikes for one of her hurdlers, one of our girls took them out of her shoes so this hurdler could put them in, and then got them back before her own race. When the officials needed help moving the starting blocks, athletes from multiple teams- including ours- immediately pitched in. And this one's my favorite: when a team celebrating two birthdays learned that one of our athletes was also celebrating her birthday, they immediately gave her some of the cake they'd brought.

Oh, and I got to see my little cousin race and PR (and my aunt and uncle bought me lunch!), and that was great, too!

Basically, everything about today made me smile. I'm so thrilled about how well we did as a team, and so proud of our athletes. The Head Coach and I really could not have asked for a better day.

[rune-echos]

— Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking

[rune-echos]

[rune-echos]

Whispers of Eternity

When first we met, dear Rebecca's mind did shine, Like summer's day, midst myths of old entwined. Her wit and wisdom, under moon's soft glow, Did stir in me a love I'd yet to know.

Her fragrance, like the roses in full bloom, A magic spell that dances through the room. A scent so sweet, on wings of dreams alight, Guiding me through the shadows of the night.

Her eyes, they twinkle with a starry grace, Within their depths, I find my special place. A look from her can turn the night to day, And in her gaze, my worries melt away.

Her lips, a promise in a fleeting touch, A moment's bliss that means so very much. No wealth or health can ever quite compare, To that sweet kiss, in time's unending glare.

[rune-echos]

Disappointing Job Interview (Again)

Today was another disappointment on the job front. Another MLM (Multilevel Marketing) job posing as another kind of job. Interview started off strong but quickly became clear they were not interested in talking about, job description, or compensation. Instead focused on talking about how the office gets together and does some kind of "game night" or "laser tag" which... I don't really go to work unless I'm working, which all felt really off to me. I looked up the company (Magnolia Connections) and found that there's a lot of chatter about high pressures sales techniques, bait and switch of job opportunities, and being told to go door to door selling AT&T as "Community Outreach".

Looked up the non-prophet they supposedly work with (Stand up for the Silent) which supposedly fights bullying. Reports show that the organization is probably a scam in and of itself, which is sad because that cause really needs to be fought for. All in all, just very disappointing all around. I wanted to just see if Magnolia Connections was affiliated with Stand up for the Silent and the number for the non-prophet goes to a Super 8 motel. Not good.

Also always feels a major red flag to me when an established business uses weird Gmail addresses (like name-magnoliaconnection-official...). All of it was sketchy and I'm finding so many of these jobs on Indeed, I hate just all of this. I don't understand why searching for a job has to be so full of scams, pyramid schemes, and other such things. Then I remember, of course it's like this, I live in America.