By Charles Moffat.
I have solved the unstoppable force / immovable object paradox.
The Irresistible Force Paradox, also called the Unstoppable Force Paradox, is a classic paradox formulated as "What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object?"
The origin of the paradox is from China, wherein the metaphor originates in the Chinese story of a perfect spear that can pierce all shields and a perfect shield that stops all spears. The story is found in the 3rd century BC philosophical book Han Feizi. In the story, a man was trying to sell a spear and a shield. When he was asked how good his spear was, he said that his spear could pierce any shield. Then, when asked how good his shield was, he said that it could defend from all spear attacks. Then someone asked him what would happen if he were to take his spear to strike his shield; the seller could not answer. This led to the Chinese idiom of "zìxīang máodùn" (自相矛盾), which means "self-contradictory", wherein the Chinese word 矛盾; pinyin: máodùn; means "Spear-Shield".
A variation on this paradox can also be found in the Greek story of the Teumessian fox, who can never be caught, and the hound Laelaps, who never misses what it hunts. Realizing the paradox, Zeus turned both creatures into static stars which "chase" each other across the night sky.
Lastly there is another form of this paradox, believed to have been created by an atheist, which challenges the omnipotence of god. It asks "Can God create a stone so heavy it cannot be lifted, not even by God Himself?"). If god is truly all powerful, he should be able to create a stone that even god can't lift. But if god is all powerful, then why can't he lift the stone?
Anyway back to my original topic, this matter can be determined through physics and logic.
For an object to be called immovable it would have to have "infinite mass".
For a force to be unstoppable it would likewise need to have "infinite torque".
If you shoot an arrow from a bow with 30 lbs of torque, it will continue on its path until slowed by air and obstacles equal to the amount of force applied. If the arrow has 45 lbs of torque instead of 30 it will go 50% further, or in the case of an archery target, the arrow will embed itself 50% deeper (minus any difference caused by air along the way). However if the arrow has infinite torque then when it loses say 45 lbs of torque, its no big deal, because there is still an infinite amount of torque left.
Thus when an unstoppable force with infinite torque meets a so-called immovable object with infinite mass, there can only be one solution: The immovable object is then moved. The flaw for the object is that it lacks any force holding it in place. The only thing that can move the immovable object is something with infinite torque, because there will always be more infinite torque to keep pushing the object regardless of its infinite mass. The so-called immovable object is not truly immovable, because it has no energy holding it in place.
Of course, in the end there is no such things as irresistible forces and immovable objects. Neither can possibly exist.
Or can they?
TIME is an unstoppable force. It can speed up or slow down relative to gravity in that area of space, but it does not stop.
A BLACK HOLE therefore is our universe's equivalent of an immovable object. The gravity surrounding it is so strong that it can slow down time relative to the rest of the universe and its mass is so great it is considered to be infinite.
However Black Holes still move through the galaxy, moving through both time and space. So they are indeed moving.
Thus, the Unstoppable Force (Time) wins.
The Making of The Hobbit
Watch the video below to see behind the scenes footage of the making of The Hobbit.
Return of the Ark of the Covenant... Or something like that!
INDIANA JONES V:
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT
PLOT SUMMARY
Indiana Jones, Mutt and Marion are in Shanghai
trying to recover the diamond and the ashes of Nurhachi, the first emperor of the
Manchu Dynasty. They do so with the help of Short Round (still played by Jonathan
Ke Quan), but something goes wrong when KGB agents show up and try to grab Indiana
Jones and the group's attempt to get the diamond/ Nurhachi ashes is botched.
Lao Che laughs as they leave and moves his valuables to an even more secure
location.
The defeated group go to Hong Kong to
re-strategize and are contacted by the CIA, who want to know why the KGB just
made a 2nd attempt to raid Area 51, and despite increased security managed to
secure the Ark. They accuse Indy
of selling information to the Russians, but slowly lead into wanting to know
who else knows about the Ark of the Covenant being in the possession of the
Americans.
(Following the incident at Area 51 in Indiana Jones IV photographs
reached the KGB showing what was inside the warehouse. The Ark of the Covenant
is spotted amongst the photographs and the KGB contact someone (Primary
Villain) in an effort to get their hands on the Ark. The Primary Villain now
has the Ark, but where are they
taking it?)
Indy tells them what he knows, but isn't sure how he can
help them further. The group decide to travel to Egypt
to visit Sallah. Short Round decides to tag along. The CIA tell Jones they will
have a field agent meet him in Egypt.
Indy and the group arrive in Egypt
to meet Sallah, but tempers flare when the CIA field agent turns out to be Willie
Scott (who gave up singing and now works as a spy, part time). Sallah is
equally confused about how the KGB managed to find the Ark
and where they might be taking it. Everything is going fine until KGB agents
show up and nab Indy. During the fighting Willie notices they aren't speaking
Russian, they're speaking German.
Fortunately when they search the bodies of several Germans
they find each of them is carrying a plane ticket to Brazil.
The group disguises themselves and short on funds, takes the same plane to Brazil.
Resulting in a fight on the plane, capturing several Germans and accidentally
hijacking the plane to Cuba,
no wait to Brazil!
Near the end of the flight the Germans try to retake the plane and in the
confusion the pilot and co-pilot both get shot, Marion and Willie have to work
together to land the plane.
And unlike Indy, they manage to land it perfectly.
Meanwhile Indy arrives in Brazil
and is trekked into the wilderness to a mansion belonging to Germans... and
lots of Hitler clones running around, still children, but growing. The place
belongs to the Primary Villain, who turns out to be Elsa Schneider (who
survived the fall into the chasm, is now working for the KGB [and her own
interests] and remembered hearing about the Ark when Indy mentioned it briefly
in Venice).
But Elsa reveals she doesn't want the Ark. She says it is
useless now that the Russians have nuclear weapons. Instead she offers him a
deal wherein he can take the Ark
back to the USA
if he can lead her to a great treasure which lies deep inside the Brazilian
jungle using an ancient map she has found. She believes the treasure belongs to
the people of Atlantis, who hid their treasure in Brazil.
(This time X does NOT mark the spot.) Elsa even tries to seduce Indy in her
efforts to get him to help her, but he turns her down.
Marion, Sallah,
etc follow the Germans back to the compound and try to rescue Indy, but the
Nazis are better armed than they expected. Willie Scott sends a message to the
CIA for reinforcements before she and others get captured. Mutt and Sallah are
the only two who don't get captured. (They will later lead the CIA on a rescue
mission.)
Using the captive people as a guarantee, Elsa demands Indy's
help and he complies. The way to the treasure is guarded by booby traps both in
the jungle surrounding it, but also within the strange structure itself.
Once in however it is revealed that Elsa wasn't after a
treasure at all, but a weapon. An ancient weapon from Atlantis so powerful it
makes H-bombs seem small. Indy attempts to translate it and he describes it as
an "anti-matter bomb" designed to destroy the planet.
Yada yada yada, the CIA sends in the military, big fight
scene, a stand off between Marion, Willie and Elsa,
Indiana Jones eventually saves the day (and
the planet). Elsa gets killed (this time for real) by mutating into some
horrible creature before exploding.
The survivors travel back to the USA. The film ends with Willie introducing her daughter...
Henrietta. Mutt is simultaneously attracted and confused.
Arathorn, Father of Aragorn: Born of Hope
Born of Hope is a fan-made short film about Arathorn, the father of Aragorn, the main hero in The Lord of the Rings. It is actually very well made for a fan-made film.
So if you're waiting anxiously for The Hobbit, here's something else you might enjoy.
So if you're waiting anxiously for The Hobbit, here's something else you might enjoy.
Robert E. Howard's Solomon Kane
Solomon Kane 16th-century killing machine who finds his spirituality after an encounter with the Devil's own Reaper and later embarks on a mission to save the damsel in distress from an army of demonic minions.
Below is the movie trailer for Robert E. Howard's "Solomon Kane". (And in case you didn't already know, Robert E. Howard is the guy who created Conan the Barbarian.)
Below is the movie trailer for Robert E. Howard's "Solomon Kane". (And in case you didn't already know, Robert E. Howard is the guy who created Conan the Barbarian.)
Legend of the Bone Knapper Dragon
If you liked the animated film "How To Train Your Dragon" then you will probably also enjoy the short film "Legend of the Bone Knapper Dragon".
The Holy Sword
The Magic Sword is an older movie from 1962. Also known as St. George and the Dragon, or St. George and the Seven Curses, the film isn't particularly well written and the actors are sorta barely above par by today's standards.
And the different accents by the various knights are hilariously bad.
However if you love clichés in old films, this one will be of interest.
Especially the sword itself if you are into Dungeons and Dragons, because the sword is essentially a "Holy Avenger" from D&D. Except that this predates D&D, which makes one wonder if this film is actually the inspiration for the Holy Avenger sword found in Dungeons and Dragons. I think it quite possibly is the inspiration, unless of course this film is based off a different sword of a holy sword which dispels evil magic.
Anyway, below is the whole film available for free from YouTube. Huzzah!
And the different accents by the various knights are hilariously bad.
However if you love clichés in old films, this one will be of interest.
Especially the sword itself if you are into Dungeons and Dragons, because the sword is essentially a "Holy Avenger" from D&D. Except that this predates D&D, which makes one wonder if this film is actually the inspiration for the Holy Avenger sword found in Dungeons and Dragons. I think it quite possibly is the inspiration, unless of course this film is based off a different sword of a holy sword which dispels evil magic.
Anyway, below is the whole film available for free from YouTube. Huzzah!
Bushido - The Warriors Way
The Code of the Samurai - Sometimes called "The Seven Virtues of the Samurai", "The Bushido Code", or "The Samurai Code of Chivalry".
In Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja it translates as "The Way of the Warrior", "The Warrior's Way", or "The Warrior's Code". (The Korean word is pronounced "Moosado" (무사도).
Bushido is a set of virtues that warriors/samurai from Japan, China and Korea had to live and die by. It is not solely a Japanese belief system, but common to much of Asia (but referred to by different names).
In many ways Bushido is similar to the Seven Virtues (from Christianity). It incorporates a variety of virtues like courage, sense of justice, benevolence, respectfulness, honesty, honour, loyalty, piety, fidelity, and wisdom. Many of the virtues are also found in the belief system of Confucianism, which was certainly an influence on the creation of the Bushido code.
Between the 9th and 12th centuries in Japan the warrior class was known as bushi or samurai, thus bushido basically means "way of the warrior" or "warrior's way". It was during this time period that the bushi became the ruling class of Japan until their decline and later total abolition in 1876 during the Meiji Era.
Not all warriors lived by the Bushido code, but many did and saw it as a way of life to guide all actions they did - not just in combat. The Bushido code incorporated many concepts followed by Zen Buddhism. The elite of the bushi warrior class was typically known as samurai.
Not all samurai used swords. Indeed in the early days of the samurai their preferred weapon was the Japanese bow. As the quality of Japanese swords improved however, and the art of swordplay in Japan also rose dramatically, the samurai changed their focus to use swords more often. (Due to pop culture the use of swords by samurai has since become over-emphasized.)
A samurai's loyalty to the emperor and his overlord / daimyo were unsurpassed. They were trained to be trustworthy and honest. They lived frugal lives with no interest in riches and material things, but believed in honor and pride. They were men of true valor, having no fear of death and believed that to die in battle would only bring honor to one's family and one's lord.
The actual Bushido code was passed on verbally to each new generation of samurai, but over time, seven chief virtues emerged, and became the written form of Bushido. Please note that variations of this list exist, as some people use different Kanji or have 8 or 9 tenets.
The Seven Virtues of the Bushido Code
(Korean and Chinese pronunciation in brackets)
Note: I have included all 10 from various versions of the Bushido Code.
Gi - Justice / Rectitude / Right Decision (의, yi)
Isamu - Bravery / Courage (용, yong)
Jin - Benevolence (인, ren)
Rei - Respect / Gratitude (례 or 예, li)
Makoto - Honesty / Confidence (성, cheng)
Meiyo - Honour / Respectful (명예, ming yu)
Chuujitsu - Loyalty / Devotion (none)
Kou - Filial Piety / Respect for Elders (효, xiao)
Shin - Honesty / Fidelity (신, xin)
Chi/Tomo - Wisdom / Resourcefulness (지, zhi)
In Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja it translates as "The Way of the Warrior", "The Warrior's Way", or "The Warrior's Code". (The Korean word is pronounced "Moosado" (무사도).
Bushido is a set of virtues that warriors/samurai from Japan, China and Korea had to live and die by. It is not solely a Japanese belief system, but common to much of Asia (but referred to by different names).
In many ways Bushido is similar to the Seven Virtues (from Christianity). It incorporates a variety of virtues like courage, sense of justice, benevolence, respectfulness, honesty, honour, loyalty, piety, fidelity, and wisdom. Many of the virtues are also found in the belief system of Confucianism, which was certainly an influence on the creation of the Bushido code.
Between the 9th and 12th centuries in Japan the warrior class was known as bushi or samurai, thus bushido basically means "way of the warrior" or "warrior's way". It was during this time period that the bushi became the ruling class of Japan until their decline and later total abolition in 1876 during the Meiji Era.
Not all warriors lived by the Bushido code, but many did and saw it as a way of life to guide all actions they did - not just in combat. The Bushido code incorporated many concepts followed by Zen Buddhism. The elite of the bushi warrior class was typically known as samurai.
Not all samurai used swords. Indeed in the early days of the samurai their preferred weapon was the Japanese bow. As the quality of Japanese swords improved however, and the art of swordplay in Japan also rose dramatically, the samurai changed their focus to use swords more often. (Due to pop culture the use of swords by samurai has since become over-emphasized.)
A samurai's loyalty to the emperor and his overlord / daimyo were unsurpassed. They were trained to be trustworthy and honest. They lived frugal lives with no interest in riches and material things, but believed in honor and pride. They were men of true valor, having no fear of death and believed that to die in battle would only bring honor to one's family and one's lord.
The actual Bushido code was passed on verbally to each new generation of samurai, but over time, seven chief virtues emerged, and became the written form of Bushido. Please note that variations of this list exist, as some people use different Kanji or have 8 or 9 tenets.
The Seven Virtues of the Bushido Code
(Korean and Chinese pronunciation in brackets)
Note: I have included all 10 from various versions of the Bushido Code.
Gi - Justice / Rectitude / Right Decision (의, yi)
Isamu - Bravery / Courage (용, yong)
Jin - Benevolence (인, ren)
Rei - Respect / Gratitude (례 or 예, li)
Makoto - Honesty / Confidence (성, cheng)
Meiyo - Honour / Respectful (명예, ming yu)
Chuujitsu - Loyalty / Devotion (none)
Kou - Filial Piety / Respect for Elders (효, xiao)
Shin - Honesty / Fidelity (신, xin)
Chi/Tomo - Wisdom / Resourcefulness (지, zhi)
| Title |
Characters
Simplified
Traditional |
Japanese Romaji (Romanized Japanese) | Various forms of Romanized Chinese | |
| Bushido / The Way of the Samurai | 武士道 武士道 | bushido | wǔ shì dào wu shi dao wu shih tao | wu3 shi4 dao4 wushidao |
| Justice / Rectitude / Right Decision | 义 義 | gi | yì yi i | yi4 yi |
| Bravery / Courage | 勇 勇 | isamu / yu- isamu/yu- | yǒng yong yung | yong3 yong |
| Benevolence | 仁 仁 | jin | rén ren jen | ren2 ren |
| Respect | 礼 禮 | rei | lǐ li | li3 li |
| Honesty | 诚 誠 | makoto | chéng cheng ch`eng | cheng2 cheng cheng cheng |
| Honour | 名誉 名譽 | meiyo | míng yù ming yu ming yü | ming2 yu4 mingyu |
| Loyalty / Faithful / Devoted | 忠実 忠實 | chuujitsu chujitsu | n/a | |
| Filial Piety | 孝 孝 | kou ko | xiào xiao hsiao | xiao4 xiao |
| Honesty / Fidelity | 信 信 | shin | xìn xin hsin | xin4 xin |
| Wisdom | 智 智 | chi / tomo chi/tomo | zhì zhi chih | zhi4 zhi |
The Nerdiest Foods you can Make
Yes, you could make a Darth Vader cake or even a cake in the shape of the Starship Enterprise... but baking a cake isn't exactly nerdy by itself.
What I am talking about is not so much the shape or decoration of the food (although I admit d20 dice shaped cookies rock)... No wait I am talking about is some serious foodstuffs that only a real "food nerd" would try and make.
For example anyone can make spaghetti. But you would have to be really into pasta and a tad nerdy to want to go through the extra effort required to make lasagna... and then maybe decorate it to look like the Millenium Falcon.
Do you see my point?
You see my definition of "nerdy food" is not hot pockets, grilled cheese sandwiches, Ritz crackers, junk food, Pop Tarts, Ramen noodles or string cheese. I realize that some people out there have a different definition that nerdy food is basically any food that requires very little preparation time and can be consumed easily by someone glued to a computer screen 24/7.
NO!
My definition of nerdy food is something COMPLICATED TO MAKE and would require significant effort on the part of the "food nerd" making it... and then upping the ante a bit.
For example I once attended a somewhat nerdy dinner party where every dish on the table was SWEDISH. Right down to the pureed pea soup and caribou cutlets with a special Swedish sauce. The meal evidently took effort to make.
I will give you another example...
Luca the Chef, makes what he calls "Mediterrasian Food" (and he also teaches Italian cooking lessons in Toronto). Its basically just a mix of Mediterranean and Asian food. It sounds tasty (and nerdy) I must admit.
Now I can't see many "regular nerds" taking private cooking lessons, but there are probably quite a few "food nerds" who would be interested in cooking lessons in Toronto.
But then once you've learned how to cook Italian or "Mediterrasian Food" then your real challenge is... can you decorate it to look like the Babylon 5 space station???
My point is that nerd food isn't something you should go out and buy. Anyone can stick a Hot Pocket in the microwave.
But it takes effort and some Nerd Power to make noodles, rice and veggies to look like a Wookie!
What I am talking about is not so much the shape or decoration of the food (although I admit d20 dice shaped cookies rock)... No wait I am talking about is some serious foodstuffs that only a real "food nerd" would try and make.
For example anyone can make spaghetti. But you would have to be really into pasta and a tad nerdy to want to go through the extra effort required to make lasagna... and then maybe decorate it to look like the Millenium Falcon.
Do you see my point?
You see my definition of "nerdy food" is not hot pockets, grilled cheese sandwiches, Ritz crackers, junk food, Pop Tarts, Ramen noodles or string cheese. I realize that some people out there have a different definition that nerdy food is basically any food that requires very little preparation time and can be consumed easily by someone glued to a computer screen 24/7.
NO!
My definition of nerdy food is something COMPLICATED TO MAKE and would require significant effort on the part of the "food nerd" making it... and then upping the ante a bit.
For example I once attended a somewhat nerdy dinner party where every dish on the table was SWEDISH. Right down to the pureed pea soup and caribou cutlets with a special Swedish sauce. The meal evidently took effort to make.I will give you another example...
Luca the Chef, makes what he calls "Mediterrasian Food" (and he also teaches Italian cooking lessons in Toronto). Its basically just a mix of Mediterranean and Asian food. It sounds tasty (and nerdy) I must admit.
Now I can't see many "regular nerds" taking private cooking lessons, but there are probably quite a few "food nerds" who would be interested in cooking lessons in Toronto.
But then once you've learned how to cook Italian or "Mediterrasian Food" then your real challenge is... can you decorate it to look like the Babylon 5 space station???
My point is that nerd food isn't something you should go out and buy. Anyone can stick a Hot Pocket in the microwave.
But it takes effort and some Nerd Power to make noodles, rice and veggies to look like a Wookie!
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