When you’re in a place of natural silence, you’re not alone, and you can feel it. Whether it’s birdcalls from miles away or the proximity of a giant tree whose warm tones you can feel, there’s a presence. It’s a quieting experience.
–Gordon Hempton, in August 2023 Sun Magazine
It needs scarcely to be told, with what feelings, on the eve of a Nantucket voyage, I regarded those marble tablets, and by the murky light of that darkened, doleful day read the fate of the whalemen who had gone before me.
Yes, Ishmael, the same fate may be thine. But somehow I grew merry again. Delightful inducements to embark, fine chance for promotion, it seems–aye, a stove boat will make me an immortal by brevet.
Yes, there is death in this business of whaling–a speechlessly quick chaotic bundling of a man into Eternity. But what then?
And therefore three cheers for Nantucket; and come a stove boat and stove body when they will, for stave my soul, Jove himself cannot.
Chapter 3 – The Chapel, Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The terahertz (1 trillion cycles per second) gap refers to a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum where efficient generation, detection, and manipulation of radiation have been very challenging. It’s found from 0.1 THz to 10 THz, between the technologies of infrared/optics and microwave/electronics.
Passes through clothing, paper, plastics, ceramics. Strongly absorbed by water and many molecules. Sensitive to moisture; good for spectroscopy. Reflects off metals. Safer than X-rays for human scanning.
Wireless Communication (6G and beyond) — THz bands offer enormous bandwidth for ultra-high-speed data (terabits per second), though with short range and high atmospheric absorption.
High above the flying scud and dark-rolling clouds, there floated a little isle of sunlight, from which beamed forth an angel’s face; and this bright face shed a distinct spot of radiance upon the ship’s tossed deck.
“Ah, noble ship,” the angel seemed to say, “beat on, beat on, thou noble ship, and bear a hardy helm; for lo! the sun is breaking through; the clouds are rolling off – serenest azure is at hand.”
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
The Coffer Illusion by Anthony Norcia – Believe it or not, there are 12 circles in this image (and 12 is a hint that will help you see them).
I will understand if you quit looking for now, but if you decide to give up: click here.
Every time you let go of something limiting, you create space for something better.
Stephen C. Paul