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Meandering and observing, intuitively attempts to find the remarkable in unexpected corners of everyday life.
🖼️ Colour, Black & White photos—Genres include: urban | rural | nature | macro | self-portrait | storytelling | abstract | street
🍀 Irish-born,
🥨 living in Germany.
👴 52 years. 184 cm, ~75 kg.
👀 Hazel green eyes (maybe? - daltonism)
👴 52 years. 184 cm, ~75 kg.
👀 Hazel green eyes (maybe? - daltonism)
Enjoys:
📸 Photography, creativity in various forms.
☕ Experimenting with herbal teas in coffee!
🤖 Frequently uses AI for brainstorming—valuable perspectives and ideas (chats more with AI than humans!).
📦 Has a problem with keeping boxes!
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Inquisitive about the tension between a potentially purposeless universe and the human desire for meaning. Embracing mystery is seen as an enriching response, fostering a curious mind. Meaning is understood as something constructed, drawn from the empowering absence of inherent purpose, and expressed through choices and actions. Living with decency and integrity, making choices guided by moral principles rather than reward or fear of punishment in an 'afterlife'. Leans towards the concept of one consciousness experiencing multiple stories—In essence, a blend of Mulder's wonder and Scully's reasoned inquiry, perhaps. 👽
* Photography became significant.
Initially, camera for photo reference sketching—discovered enjoyed photography more than drawing—became primary creative outlet.
* Recent knee problems (*see updates) changed how world is experienced.
Used to find freedom in longboarding, hiking. Now, world smaller—shorter walks in woodlands or city—but photography allows appreciation of remaining beauty—through intuitive observation, can still find remarkable moments in everyday scenes.
* Electronic Music and its many sub-genres (Synth-Based and Beyond) resonate, often influencing image mood during post-edit. When sharing work, often includes enjoyed musical selections complementing or contrasting a photograph—For example: Post-Punk, Wave (New, Dark, Cold, and Synth), Electroclash, Synthpop; Italo Disco, Ambient, Chillout, Classical.
* Enjoys speculative genres. From retro-futuristic visions & enigmatic mysteries to explorations of human nature & counter-culture.
-Currently Watching: The X-Files
-Recently Enjoyed: Twin Peaks, Lost
-Currently Reading: The Secret History of Twin Peaks - Mark Frost
-Recently Enjoyed: Christiane F. - Mein zweites Leben (Christiane F.: The Autobiography), Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo (Christiane F.), Marie Antoinette: Bildnis eines mittleren Charakters (Marie Antoinette: Portrait of a Mediocre Character)
-Wants to Read: Rip it Up and Start Again. Post-punk 1978-1984, Durch Mauern gehen: Autobiografie (Walk Through Walls: A Memoir)
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░ Extended Notes ░
*This section is for personal use, but readers may perhaps find some points of interest.
*This section is for personal use, but readers may perhaps find some points of interest.
░ Music Influences:
* Electronic Music with distinctive synth textures—upbeat melancholy that is compelling. Synth reinvigoration—modern technology enhances genres & blends familiar sounds with exciting new directions—eager what innovative sounds are yet to come.
* Sometimes prefer energetic electronic music—Italo disco, synthpop (upbeat, synthesizer-based pop).
* Calm soundscapes—Ambient (atmospheric, textural), Classical, Drone. (white noise—it helps me sleep).
* Past Genres—Punk (raw, energetic rock), Industrial (harsh, often abrasive electronic), Metal, Gabber, Speedcore
* Also Enjoyed in the Past: House, Big Beat, French Touch, Ska, Reggae.
Genre Notes:
* Darkwave: Post-punk subgenre, darker, melancholic, gothic & electronic elements.
* Coldwave: Post-punk subgenre, cold, atmospheric, synthesizers & drum machines.
* EBM (Electronic Body Music): Dance-oriented subgenre of industrial music.
* Gabber: Electronic music genre, fast tempo, distorted, aggressive energy.
* French Touch: French house subgenre, filtered disco samples, 90s/2000s.
* Electroclash: Genre blending new wave, synthpop, and punk influences with an electronic dance music edge.
* Darkwave: Post-punk subgenre, darker, melancholic, gothic & electronic elements.
* Coldwave: Post-punk subgenre, cold, atmospheric, synthesizers & drum machines.
* EBM (Electronic Body Music): Dance-oriented subgenre of industrial music.
* Gabber: Electronic music genre, fast tempo, distorted, aggressive energy.
* French Touch: French house subgenre, filtered disco samples, 90s/2000s.
* Electroclash: Genre blending new wave, synthpop, and punk influences with an electronic dance music edge.
░ Cultural & Artistic Interests:
Media:
Exploring a wide spectrum of media, with a particular fondness for genres like science fiction, horror, and fantasy, alongside documentaries covering history and subcultures. A preference for audiobooks and text-to-speech is noted, with a specific enjoyment of German audiobooks. Genres of particular interest in media include science fiction – exploring futuristic concepts, technological advancements, and space-related themes – and horror – focusing on suspense, fear, and often the supernatural or macabre.
Exploring a wide spectrum of media, with a particular fondness for genres like science fiction, horror, and fantasy, alongside documentaries covering history and subcultures. A preference for audiobooks and text-to-speech is noted, with a specific enjoyment of German audiobooks. Genres of particular interest in media include science fiction – exploring futuristic concepts, technological advancements, and space-related themes – and horror – focusing on suspense, fear, and often the supernatural or macabre.
* Science Fiction:
Appreciates science fiction in its many forms, from classic series like Star Trek, to more offbeat and psychologically driven works by authors like Philip K. Dick and J.G. Ballard. Enjoys exploring expansive universes and futuristic concepts across various media.
—Examples: Battlestar Galactica, Stargate SG-1, Star Trek, Star Wars.
* Horror:
Exploring horror media, including the works of Clive Barker, James Herbert, and the early novels of Stephen King, focusing on suspense, fear, and often the supernatural or macabre.
Exploring horror media, including the works of Clive Barker, James Herbert, and the early novels of Stephen King, focusing on suspense, fear, and often the supernatural or macabre.
* Fantasy:
Exploring fantastical worlds, creatures, and magic systems. Particularly enjoying works by authors like George R.R. Martin (author of Game of Thrones).
—Examples: The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub (blending fantasy and horror elements).
Exploring fantastical worlds, creatures, and magic systems. Particularly enjoying works by authors like George R.R. Martin (author of Game of Thrones).
—Examples: The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub (blending fantasy and horror elements).
* Urban Fantasy: Blending fantasy elements with modern urban settings.
—Examples: Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London, Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko.
—Examples: Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London, Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, Night Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko.
* Retro-futurism:
An artistic and cultural movement exploring how the future was imagined in the past.
Combines nostalgic elements from different eras with futuristic technology, creating a blend of old and new.
Two main threads of retro-futurism:
* Reimagining past visions of the future:
Blending contemporary elements with speculative technologies.
—Example: Steampunk - Combines 19th-century Victorian aesthetics with steam-powered machinery and futuristic inventions.
* Grafting modern technologies onto retro styles:
Integrating modern or futuristic technologies into retro styles and aesthetics.
—Example: Neuromancer by William Gibson - Combines 1980s aesthetics with advanced technologies, often depicting a dystopian future with neon lights, cybernetics, and gritty urban settings. (Cyberpunk example).
An artistic and cultural movement exploring how the future was imagined in the past.
Combines nostalgic elements from different eras with futuristic technology, creating a blend of old and new.
Two main threads of retro-futurism:
* Reimagining past visions of the future:
Blending contemporary elements with speculative technologies.
—Example: Steampunk - Combines 19th-century Victorian aesthetics with steam-powered machinery and futuristic inventions.
* Grafting modern technologies onto retro styles:
Integrating modern or futuristic technologies into retro styles and aesthetics.
—Example: Neuromancer by William Gibson - Combines 1980s aesthetics with advanced technologies, often depicting a dystopian future with neon lights, cybernetics, and gritty urban settings. (Cyberpunk example).
* Detective Stories:
Focuses on solving crimes, mysteries, or puzzles, often led by a detective or investigator.
—Examples: Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie's Poirot, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
Focuses on solving crimes, mysteries, or puzzles, often led by a detective or investigator.
—Examples: Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie's Poirot, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.
* Magical Realism:
A literary/artistic style where magical elements are interwoven with everyday reality.
—Example: Haruki Murakami's novels like Kafka on the Shore and 1Q84.
A literary/artistic style where magical elements are interwoven with everyday reality.
—Example: Haruki Murakami's novels like Kafka on the Shore and 1Q84.
* Avant-Garde:
Experimental and innovative art that pushes the boundaries of traditional forms.
—Examples: Kathy Acker's Blood and Guts in High School, Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.
Experimental and innovative art that pushes the boundaries of traditional forms.
—Examples: Kathy Acker's Blood and Guts in High School, Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot.
* German Literature & Drama:
Exploring works from the rich German literary tradition, particularly those with psychological depth and introspective themes. Authors like Stefan Zweig are of particular interest, known for their deeply psychological and introspective works.
—Examples:
Lieutenant Gustl (Lieutenant Gustl) by Arthur Schnitzler (German Drama)
The Trial (Der Prozess) by Franz Kafka (German Literature - 20th Century)
Beware of Pity (Ungeduld des Herzens) by Stefan Zweig (German Literature)
Unter der Drachenwand (Under der Drachenwand) by Arno Geiger (Austrian Literature - 21st Century)
Exploring works from the rich German literary tradition, particularly those with psychological depth and introspective themes. Authors like Stefan Zweig are of particular interest, known for their deeply psychological and introspective works.
—Examples:
Lieutenant Gustl (Lieutenant Gustl) by Arthur Schnitzler (German Drama)
The Trial (Der Prozess) by Franz Kafka (German Literature - 20th Century)
Beware of Pity (Ungeduld des Herzens) by Stefan Zweig (German Literature)
Unter der Drachenwand (Under der Drachenwand) by Arno Geiger (Austrian Literature - 21st Century)
Themes:
* The Human Condition: Complexities of human experience, darker sides of human nature. Including works like Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
—Examples: Flannery O'Connor's Everything That Rises Must Converge, Harry Crews' The Knockout Artist, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's The Gulag Archipelago (Russian Literature), Albert Camus' The Stranger (French Literature - Existentialist).
* Urban life, rebellion, nonconformity: Exploring themes of urban alienation, societal critique, and challenging mainstream norms. Including authors like Charles Bukowski, Hubert Selby Jr., Hunter S. Thompson, Henry Miller, Anais Nin, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
—Examples: Charles Bukowski's Post Office, Hubert Selby Jr.'s Last Exit to Brooklyn, Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Nexus Sexus Plexus by Henry Miller.
—Examples: Charles Bukowski's Post Office, Hubert Selby Jr.'s Last Exit to Brooklyn, Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Nexus Sexus Plexus by Henry Miller.
* Unexplained Phenomena & Enigmatic Stories: Stories centered on events, entities, or technologies that defy conventional scientific understanding, often involving mysteries, the paranormal, or advanced science indistinguishable from magic.
—Examples: Twin Peaks, Lost, The X-Files, Stranger Things, Fringe.
—Examples: Twin Peaks, Lost, The X-Files, Stranger Things, Fringe.
░ Personal Ponderings:
(Exploring Ideas that Intrigue Me)
(Exploring Ideas that Intrigue Me)
Absurdism & The Freedom of Meaning:
* Resonating Philosophy: The philosophy of Absurdism by Albert Camus.
* Core Idea: The universe may lack inherent purpose, creating a tension with our human desire for meaning.
* Resonating Philosophy: The philosophy of Absurdism by Albert Camus.
* Core Idea: The universe may lack inherent purpose, creating a tension with our human desire for meaning.
* Resolution: By recognizing and embracing the absurdity of existence, individuals can achieve personal freedom. This acceptance allows them to create their own meaning, live authentically, and find a sense of purpose and fulfilment through defiance and passionate living.
* Literary Illustration: An example of this is found in Camus' "The Myth of Sisyphus," where Sisyphus' eternal struggle becomes a metaphor for human perseverance and defiance in the face of meaninglessness.
Humanism:
* Core Principle: Focus on human values, reason, compassion, ethical behaviour in this life without expectation of afterlife rewards or punishments, and utilizing the scientific method for understanding the world.
* Core Principle: Focus on human values, reason, compassion, ethical behaviour in this life without expectation of afterlife rewards or punishments, and utilizing the scientific method for understanding the world.
Exploring Consciousness: Different Lenses:
* Emergent Consciousness: Exploring how consciousness could arise from complex systems. (Keyword: complexity & emergence)
* One Consciousness: Pondering the concept of a single, unified consciousness underlying all reality (like Advaita Vedanta). (Keyword: unified reality)
* Dualism: Exploring Dualism – the philosophical concept centered on the distinct separation between mind and body. This perspective highlights the feeling that our thoughts, feelings, and consciousness exist apart from our physical bodies. This separation raises perplexing questions about the interaction between these distinct realms and can illuminate contrasting ideas, such as the interplay between subjective experience and the material world, or seemingly opposing concepts.
Paradoxes & The Limits of Knowing:
* Intrigue with Antinomies: Fascinated by irresolvable contradictions and paradoxes of existence.
* Core Concept: Antinomies highlight the inherent limits of logic and the ambiguity of reality.
* Examples:
* Classic paradoxes like the Liar Paradox ("This statement is false") and the Chicken and Egg dilemma.
* The Expanding Universe Conundrum: The "inside/outside paradox" – if the universe is "everything," what is it expanding into?
* Popular Science Explanation: Often describes space itself as stretching, not expanding into a pre-existing space.
Personal Philosophy:
Thought Experiment, nothingness becoming conscious.
* Premise: Initial conscious nothingness might be inherently "unpleasant" (awareness without perception or interaction).
* Big Bang as a "Response": Universe as a potential reaction to alleviate this unpleasant state of conscious nothingness.
* "One Consciousness" & Avatar Idea: If nothingness is singular, consciousness might be singular too, experiencing multiple stories through avatars (us).
* "Make-Believe" Angle: Considering the possibility that our individual experience is a story being lived by this "one consciousness" – a kind of cosmic "make-believe."
* Resonance with Eastern Thought: Find echoes of these ideas in concepts like Advaita Vedanta's unified consciousness.