MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'fantasy'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:02:06 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642901&cid=t_115873_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2FdE51Fsb1dW4%2F Image by C. McKane via Flickr RIP: Diana Wynne Jones, author of several successful young-adult fantasy novels including Dark Lord of Derkholm and Howl’s Moving Castle, passed away today following a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was 76. Her final novel, Earwig and the Witch, will be published this summer through HarperCollins in the UK and Greenwillow in the US. via RIP: Diana Wynne Jones – The Daily What. RIP: Diana Wynne Jones (thedailywh.at) “Diana Wynne Jones, 1934-2011″ and related posts (feministe.us) Diana Wynne Jones (stevenhartsite.wordpress.com) We’ll never forget you, Diana Wynne Jones (cherstinieveen.wordpress.com) Filed under: books Tagged: arts, author, books, Dark Lord of Derkholm, Diana Wynne Jones, Fantasy literature, Greenwillow, HarperC... white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642901 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 13:39:26 +0100 4642901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477817&cid=t_115873_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F02%2F14%2Fvalentines-day-for-the-realistic-romantic%2F At the beginning of a new love relationship, we may find ourselves in a beautiful fantasyland. Finally, the struggle to find peace and happiness is over… ‘I am saved. I am safe. I am lovable. I am desirable. I am acceptable. I belong. I am overflowing with love to give and joy to share. I am so incredibly alive. We are a perfect match.’ And then reality sets in… ‘He leaves his wet towel on the bed.’ ‘She is constantly texting.’ ‘He is always late.’ ‘She is always working.’ ‘He drinks too much.’ You may wonder, ‘Who is this person I thought I knew?’ ‘She’s changed.’ ‘He’s different.’ ‘You complete me’ spirals down into ‘You deplete me.’ Despite our hopes for perfection, romantic love relationships, like every aspect of life, ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477817 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:03 +0100 4477817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464708&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Fdefence-denial-mechanisms%2F Denial is Hazy ThinkingAlcoholics, addicts and co-dependents use many and varied combinations of these. Identify yours and work to eliminate them.When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us – Alexander Graham BellDefence and denial mechanisms are used by all human beings and may be necessary for survival in some situations.We’ve all used defences and denial to distance ourselves from distressing feelings and maintain a sense of emotional stability. Our defence and denial patterns began in childhood when they prevented us from becoming overwhelmed with anxiety. However, as an adult we outgrow their usefulness. If we continue to use outgrown defences or denial, we are more... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464708 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:56:01 +0100 4464708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259092&cid=t_115873_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F-mKh89_yxDs%2F Many of you have been disturbed, intrigued, offended, annoyed, pissed off, defensive, and inspired to comment since we published these two posts a while back: When No Means Yes: Top 10 Rape Fantasy Scenes on Film and TV and the follow-up: You Asked For It: 10 More Cringe-Worthy Rape Fantasy Scenes on Film. Rape is not controversial. It’s just wrong. But it’s clear from your dozens of comments that the concept of rape fantasies (obviously very different from rape) is extremely controversial – and even taboo. Now, when I say “rape fantasy,” I mean a safe scenario in the bedroom between or among consenting adults. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with rape fantasies. Why should they be different from any other sexual fantasy that gets played out in the be... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259092 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:47:43 +0100 4259092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060650&cid=t_115873_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F12%2Fbest-of-our-blogs-october-12-2010%2F I am an only child. Growing up, I didn’t have siblings, but friends and family to play with. And when it came time to the hard parts of my young life, I found comfort in books. Books can provide a space for fun, escape, and information. And I soaked them all in. They also worked as mentors, heroes and teachers to me. No matter what was going on in life, I could always count on the excitement, fantasy and often hope in the tattered pages of my favorite book. That’s why this week’s posts are so meaningful to me. We’ve got posts on healing through books and one on how narcissism and the  ego can negatively effect creative people. If you’re a book lover or a creative person, you’ll love these posts. We’ve also got posts on body image, the importance o... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060650 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:08:23 +0100 4060650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3982123&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FqW6E3yNE59w%2F How could a woman abandon her family for a fantasy life online? All too easily, as I discovered Few people would have read the shocking newspaper story thinking it had any bearing on their own lives. A mother neglected her three children, aged 13, ten, and nine, and let her two dogs starve to death because she was so obsessed with playing a computer game. Invited by a Facebook friend, she retreated into the competitive online game after the sudden death of her husband and abandoned all control of daily life. The decomposed dogs lay in the dining room; the children fended for themselves in squalor. Despite predictable online comments of the ‘lock her up and throw away the key’ variety, this woman was obviously mentally ill. Why didn’t somebody (the children’s teach... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3982123 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 15:39:00 +0100 3982123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699495&cid=t_115873_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-doctors-think-vs-how-patients-think%2F2010.06.25 If you want to see the difference between how doctors and patients think, read Jerome Groopman’s “How Doctors Think” and Thomas Goetz’s “The Decision Tree.” The contrast is striking. “How Doctors Think,” while offering a comprehensive review of the cognitive missteps made by physicians, is terminally physician-centric in its analysis of the relationship we share with patients. ”The Decision Tree,” while offering a novel blueprint for self-reliance in health, seems almost sheepish in its recognition that physicians are even really that important. The muted physician cameos of “The Decision Tree” stand in stark contrast to Groopman’s Harvard-trained masters of the universe. (more…) *This blog post was originall... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699495 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:21:16 +0100 3699495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3566698&cid=t_115873_117_f&fid=34808&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthebeautybrains.com%2F2010%2F05%2F15%2Fhow-does-waterproof-mascara-work%2F Liz loves lovely eyes so she asks… How do waterproof mascaras work? The Right Brain’s Raccoon Eyed Response: Before we talk about waterproof mascara, go read our description of how mascaras work so you understand the basics. Did you read it? Come on, did you REALLY read it? OK, that’s better. Wet or wild? It’s easy to make a product like a mascara or a hairspray that is completely waterproof – you formulate it with ingredients that aren’t soluble in water and you leave out the detergent type ingredients that make it water washable. The problem with this kind of formula is that it would be really hard to wash off. The trick to making mascaras waterproof is to balance the oil and water soluble ingredients in the formula to give good resistance to water w... thebeautybrains.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3566698 Sat, 15 May 2010 14:00:34 +0100 3566698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3314797&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2Fpn5hiGOwqIs%2F Denial is Hazy Thinking Alcoholics, addicts and co-dependents use many and varied combinations of these. Identify yours and work to eliminate them. When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us – Alexander Graham Bell Defence and denial mechanisms are used by all human beings and may be necessary for survival in some situations. We’ve all used defences and denial to distance ourselves from distressing feelings and maintain a sense of emotional stability. Our defence and denial patterns began in childhood when they prevented us from becoming overwhelmed with anxiety. However, as an adult we outgrow their usefulness. If we continue to use outgrown defences or denial, we are ... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3314797 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:30:50 +0100 3314797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3291001&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FRecoveryIsSexycom%2F%7E3%2FRp6b8xxtj5c%2F Sensual thoughts? Do you experience flights of fantasy when you have sex, followed by intense guilt that you might have betrayed your partner? Many people in recovery from alcoholism, addiction and co-dependency seem to have this sort of reaction. See list of male and female fantasies at end of this article. You might be surprised to know that sexual fantasies are far more common than you think, and can in fact add value to your relationship. A sexual fantasy, also called an erotic fantasy, is a deliberate fantasy or pattern of thoughts with the goal of creating or enhancing sexual feelings; it is mental imagery that an individual considers erotic. A fantasy can be a long, drawn-out story or a quick mental flash of sexual imagery; its purpose can range from sexual motivations, such as sexu... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3291001 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:44:00 +0100 3291001 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115261&cid=t_115873_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fmy-favorite-most-impossible-fantasy%2F There have been two main recurring dreams in my life. I’ve written about my darkest recurring dream. But there’s also been a parallel fantasy, one created out of pure want and joy. This one was also born in a hospital, soon after I realized I couldn’t move my legs after the first surgery (again, I was 7). It’s a dream I absolutely adore. I’ve had it more than a few times throughout my life. It goes something like this: I’m standing in the middle of a vast, green field. Bright and green grass in every direction, as far as I can see. Up above, a deep blue sky and bright white clouds. In the horizon, there is a giant golden sun. I’m able to look at it without squinting. I am barefoot. I look down and see wet blades of grass between my toes. I smile, p... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115261 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:37:41 +0100 3115261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3115018&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2FIj_iQwcG12E%2Fwhat_researchers_really_mean.php Ha! So true, although in academia we aren't so much concerned with getting products into consumers' hands; so the exact times may be different: Via xkcd, of course! Read the comments on this post... (Source: Respectful Insolence) Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3115018 Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:00:00 +0100 3115018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912504&cid=t_115873_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fhey-that-seems-familiar%2F Saw this on Facebook. Love it. Reminds me of a funny version of “My deepest, darkest fantasy“. (Source: Cancer, life, and me) Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912504 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:18:36 +0100 2912504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2886493&cid=t_115873_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F13%2F10-more-ways-to-make-friends%2F Earlier this year, World of Psychology contributor Therese Borchard wrote a popular entry entitled, “10 Ways to Make Friends.” Inspired by her advice and based upon my own experiences throughout life, I present to you another 10 ways to make friends in your life. No matter what method you try, making new friends requires something I can’t give you in this article — courage. It takes courage to go out and actually take a leap of faith by introducing yourself to someone new and taking a chance you may be rejected. That’s why smaller groups are almost always easier — you can figure out who might make a good friend in such group situations. 1. Join a local Meetup (or start your own). Meetup is a website that seems like it’s been around forever (but has... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2886493 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:05:56 +0100 2886493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859127&cid=t_115873_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fthe-god-complex%2F Since I just wrote about the cancer demon fantasy, it reminded me why there is so much anger in me. It is all frustration. Mostly, I hate that I don’t have something concrete to blame for all this crap. So I make up things to blame. As a kid and teen, it was mainly that demon thing. As I’ve grown older, I mostly blame God. The invisible guy that almost everyone says is there. Are you there, God (it’s me, Chris)? I don’t know. In fact I killed you too.  You know when that happened? It wasn’t when I was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn’t when I had to recover from surgery. It wasn’t when I was being poked, prodded, and bugged every hour. It wasn’t even when I found myself puking almost every day. No, I killed you the day I found out Manuelita (g... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859127 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:30:54 +0100 2859127 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2859128&cid=t_115873_136_f&fid=39027&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lrdlc.dreamhosters.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmy-deepest-darkest-fantasy%2F This fantasy was born in a hospital room, while I was lying in recovery after the first major surgery. It started with a prayer.  I asked God with ALL my heart to “please make cancer into a real life demon.” I begged with God over and over.  I wanted cancer to be a physical being outside of my own body. I would have dreams where God granted me that wish. I would find myself (still a boy) with a shield and sword. Then I imagined myself walking up a steep mountain. Anger was my motivation. At the top of the mountain, I’d imagine a cave entrance.  Inside lurked the cancer demon.  I’d call him out and ask for a fight. Then this dragon/gollum/beast/demon would come stalking out. In this fantasy I did not show or feel any fear. Only anger. I dropped my shield and swor... Cancer, life, and me blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2859128 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:52:47 +0100 2859128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2386952&cid=t_115873_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F05%2F03%2Fif-only-keeping-you-stuck-and-frustrated%2F Two words. Six letters. So much potential for destruction. You say it to yourself and so do I, sometimes without even realizing it. Do you even realize how powerful it is? If only I had more time, I would exercise. If only my parents weren’t so annoying, I’d be less stressed. If only I had a bigger house, then I’d be more organized. If only, if only, if only…You know, it isn’t just the “if only” part that is so damaging. By itself, it just a harmless wish or fantasy. It’s saying “then”, as if you only have permission to have this better outcome when the first part happens. Let’s break this down once, shall we? Take the example about having a bigger house and being more organized. I threw this one in for me. We still live in... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2386952 Sun, 03 May 2009 16:44:08 +0100 2386952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1980507&cid=t_115873_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F11%2Fwhat-we-are-becoming-dehumanization-in.html One tragic suicide and one ridiculous story in the last week illustrate the impact that cyberspace is having on our interconnectedness and mutual concern. The first is the horrible case of a college student who committed suicide in front of his webcam so it could be witnessed by the multitudes. From the story: A college student committed suicide by taking a drug overdose in front of a live webcam as some computer users egged him on, others tried to talk him out of it, and another messaged OMG in horror when it became clear it was no joke. Some watchers contacted the Web site to notify police, but by the time officers entered Abraham Biggs' home a scene also captured on the Internet.What a horror for the young man and his folks. Beyond the personal tragedy, it seems that for increased milli... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1980507 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:46:00 +0100 1980507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1730644&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F373598463%2Fnow_theres_a_real_toaster.php Those who are Battlestar Galactica fans, as I am, know that the disparaging slang humans in the Colonial fleet use for their dreaded enemies the Cylons is to call them "toasters." The question then naturally follows: Sure, Cylons are toasters, but can they actually make toast? It turns out that they can. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Respectful Insolence) Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1730644 Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:05:19 +0100 1730644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2902918&cid=t_115873_132_f&fid=35001&url=http%3A%2F%2Farchive.nodalpoint.org%2F2008%2F08%2F14%2Flets_play_fantasy_science_funding Fantasy Science Funding is a fun game that anybody can play. You select a Science funding body of your choice, imagine yourself as its all powerful chief executive, and decide which areas of scientific research you would "hire and fire". What could be easier? Here is how Fantasy Science Funding works... read more (Source: nodalpoint.org - A bioinformatics weblog) nodalpoint.org - A bioinformatics weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2902918 Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:39:02 +0100 2902918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1526331&cid=t_115873_133_f&fid=35096&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAutismVox%2F%7E3%2F314330677%2F Very late on Monday, Charlie and I took a red eye flight back to New Jersey from San Francisco. He set his mouth, clutched my dad’s blue jacket to his chest and handed it back just as we got into the line for the security check. No crying or painful encounters with airport security personnel. Charlie grabbed a plastic bin as I told him and took off his shoes and put them and his backpack in it (I slowed us up, with a bag, a backpack, and a laptop). The plane was slightly delayed—storms on the East Coast—-and I decided that, though Charlie was years beyond the 4-year-old age limit for pre-boarding, that we would get on early, so he’d know, we’re going home, just like I said we would, just believe me….. After a last-minute request for a drink of water, Ch... Autism Vox blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1526331 Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:35:27 +0100 1526331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1500371&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F12-popular-sexuality-articles%2F These are the most popular articles on Recovery Is Sexy about sexuality in recovery from alcoholism, addiction, codependency, ACOA’s and gambling. 10 Masturbation Myths. The street myths of masturbation exploded. 10 Reasons for Low Libido. You may not have lost it, libido can most often be restored. Alcohol and Sexuality. Alcohol affects how we look, feel and act. Better Oral Sex. Take the oral sex test in real life. Erotic Fantasy. Ah, the eroticism in fantasies. Mature Women and Sex. Sex gets better with age. Sensual Massage. Massage your way to more intimate relations. Sex and Healthy Relationships in Recovery. Healthy relationships include healthy sexuality. Sex for Men Over 50 For the mature male. Sex When Your Over 50 More hints to improve your sexuality. The Sexual G-spot, Ma... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1500371 Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:20:14 +0100 1500371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1237798&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2Ferotic-fantasy%2F   Do you experience flights of fantasy when you have sex, followed by intense guilt that you might have betrayed your partner? Many people in recovery from alcoholism, addiction and codependency seem to suffer this sort of reaction. < ‘Dream of the Fisherman’s Wife’ by Hokusai is an artistic example of erotic fantasy. You might be surprised to know that sexual fantasies are far more common than you think, and can in fact add value to your relationship. A sexual fantasy, also called an erotic fantasy, is a deliberate fantasy or pattern of thoughts with the goal of creating or enhancing sexual feelings; it is mental imagery that an individual considers erotic. A fantasy can be a long, drawn-out story or a quick mental flash of sexual imagery; its purpose can r... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1237798 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:04:57 +0100 1237798 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1147248&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F215989694%2Fgeek_orgasms_will_ensue.php ...at Elijah Wood's elaborating on plans to adapt J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit to the big screen in not one but two movies. I don't know if he knows what he's talking about or not, even if he is buddies with Peter Jackson, but the plans sound at the same time intriguing and worrisome. I do have to say that I'm rather skeptical of doing two films. If reports are correct, then there will be one film that covers the entire plot of The Hobbit released in 2010, and then there will be a second film that will take place sometime during the 60 years between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and serve as a "narrative bridge" between the two. Since Tolkien himself didn't provide much in the way of details of what happened to Bilbo, except in the appendices of LotR and vague mentions... Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1147248 Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:00:43 +0100 1147248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1132141&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F212070411%2Fdoctor_who_revolutionary_or_tool_of_the.php Charlie Anders seeks to answer that very question: (Click on the graph above to go to the full size original graph, which graphs the frequency of stories per season in which the Doctor is portrayed as overthrowing the government or the status quo or foments a rebellion.) Although the arch-conservatism of the John Pertwee-era Doctor (which continued into the early part of the Tom Baker-era Doctor) is not that surprising (at the time the Doctor did work for the quasi-military U.N.I.T. as its science advisor, after all), who'd have thought that the Sylvester McCoy would be the Che Guevara of Doctors or that the current Doctor would be relatively tame, given that he is a Time Lord without a home world? Read the comments on this post... (Source: Respectful Insolence) Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1132141 Sun, 06 Jan 2008 14:27:55 +0100 1132141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=874561&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F156849917%2Fthis_might_almost_make_me_go_back_to_chu.php Now here's a church service that I could get into, the Church of the Time Lord. As an article in Metro.co.uk says: A congregation are to be invited to compare a Time Lord with the Lord of Time at a special Dr Who-themed church service, it was disclosed today. Teenagers and young people in their early 20s are being targeted for the "cafe-style" Communion service, with music and video clips from the hit series, at St Paul's Church in Grangetown, Cardiff. The Anglican church was used as a location two years ago for an episode of the series starring Christopher Eccleston as the ninth Doctor. Fr Dean Atkins, youth officer with the Diocese of Llandaff and one of the organisers of the service, said: "The figure of Doctor Who is somebody who comes to save the world, almost a Messiah figure. "... Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=874561 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:01:21 +0100 874561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=852499&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F153949119%2Fsouvenirs_of_london.php More random weekend chatter... If a big time Doctor Who fan visits London, what is it that he brings back as souvenirs? Well, I had wanted to bring back a large radio-controlled Dalek to harass my wife with, but I just couldn't figure out how we would get it back on the plane, and I didn't want to spend big bucks to ship it home across the Atlantic Ocean. So, I had to be more modest. For example, there's this to start out with: Naturally, when you use it to open a bottle, it cries out "EXTERMINATE!" (That'll discourage you from opening that extra bottle of beer, won't it?) Then, what die-hard Doctor Who fan could be without this? As soon as I get the nerve up to open the box, it'll grace my desk at home. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Respectful Insolence) Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=852499 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 20:04:06 +0100 852499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=835416&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F150664583%2Fbummer.php Sadly, I won't be in London for 10 more days. Consequently, I'll be missing something really cool that'll be happening a mere couple of blocks down the street where I'm staying now: I did, however, purchase a nice cast metal replica of the TARDIS at this shop, the Stamp Centre, which seems to carry a lot of science fiction stuff (particularly Doctor Who paraphernalia) as well as stamps. It's a bit of an odd combination, but it works. In any case, the TARDIS will grace either my desk or my bookshop. For those of you who live in London or who will be in London on September 10, though, you might want to check this out. Read the comments on this post... (Source: Respectful Insolence) Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=835416 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:26:51 +0100 835416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=893262&cid=t_115873_87_f&fid=35060&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthnewsblog.com%2Fcgi-bin%2Fhnblog.pl%3Fhnblog%3D815071 Writers Write, Inc. has added a new blog to its blog network called FantasySFBlog.com. Fantasy/SF Blog is a daily blog covering what's new and interesting in the worlds of fantasy, SF, and horror, including books, movies, TV and gaming. Recent posts include: Lost: The Orchid Orientation Video Is Peter Jackson Back on Board for The Hobbit? Finalists Announced For British Fantasy Awards Saw IV Coming in October Will Tom Cruise Join the Star Trek Cast? The Dresden Files Is Cancelled ABC Offers Masters of Science Fiction The Beowulf Trailer is Here Johnny Depp Is Barnabas Collins RSS subscription informaton for the Fantasy/SF Blog can be found here. Permalink | Recent Headlines | News Feeds (Source: HealthNewsBlog.com) HealthNewsBlog.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=893262 Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:00:00 +0100 893262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=797026&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F143746356%2Fi_can_answer_that_question.php Since I'm still immersed in grant writing, to start the afternoon off, here's one that I saw a week ago but never got around to answering. It's a question from this week's host of the Skeptics' Circle, Bronze Dog, over at (appropriately enough) The Bronze Blog, who asks: You've been captured by Daleks. You're their legendary foe who always comes up with some clever way of thwarting their plans for universal domination. They're equipped with a death ray, nigh-impenetrable armor, and a plunger that somehow works as a multitool. Why don't they just shoot you? I can answer that one! Although many of the answers in the comments are quite good, I think I have the real answer. Just think about it. It's the same reason that, when James Bond is captured, the villain doesn't just have one of his ... Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=797026 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:35:17 +0100 797026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=693223&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F127538846%2Fquote_of_the_day_j_r_r_tolkien_on_mercy.php From The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, specifically the chapter The Shadow of the Past, in which Gandalf responds to Frodo's statement that Gollum is an enemy who deserves death: Deserves it? I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the wise cannot see all ends. I have not much hope that Gollum can be cured before he dies, but there is a chance of it. I sometimes wonder if reading that quote as a youth was a seed that ultimately lead to my changing my mind about supporting the death penalty many years later. Obviously, it's not the only reason, but I've remembered it ever since I was a teenager, and it's a quote that still resonates with me today. Read ... Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=693223 Sun, 24 Jun 2007 18:01:00 +0100 693223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=730621&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35799&url=http%3A%2F%2F12steps1journey.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fweeding-garden-part-2.html When I started working on the back yard it was so overgrown that it looked like a jungle. Vines had wound their way across the yard, trees had grown up through some old chicken wire tossed to the side, a cushion from a lawn chair had decomposed and weeds had grown up through the stuffing. In the past when I had tried to get out there and clean things up I would get overwhelmed and depressed and feel ashamed and mad I had to do it and then would quit and feel guilty about it. But working through the resentment I had about the back yard changed my whole experience.While chopping down vines, I began to see a parallel between getting the yard back together and recovery work. Now hang on, I know that sounds like a stretch, but it really worked for me.As I started to pull up a vine in the middle... Twelve Steps, One Journey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=730621 Fri, 22 Jun 2007 01:53:00 +0100 730621 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=730622&cid=t_115873_151_f&fid=35799&url=http%3A%2F%2F12steps1journey.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F06%2Fweeding-garden.html I often find my mind wandering into fantasies. And not some happy fantasy, but a scenario where I am the victim and someone is being really mean to me, or a "poor me" fantasy.Recently I was walking through my neighborhood admiring all the beautiful homes and gardens and in to my brain pops the message, "I wish I could afford to live in one of these houses but I'll never make enough money and the housing market is inflated and only rich people who don't care about the world live in these houses and I should move to another town but I don't have any money and ...." Whew, it was time to take a breathe.Through my recovery work I've learned to take a step back from these thoughts when they come up and try and observe them from another angle. I ask God to help me see the truth and how I may be m... Twelve Steps, One Journey blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=730622 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:02:00 +0100 730622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=464019&cid=t_115873_83_f&fid=34690&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Finsolence%2F%7E3%2F100906950%2Fsay_it_loud_im_an_sf_geek_and_im_proud.php This one's right up my alley, and PZ, John, Joseph, and Bora have already weighed in. I've been a big SF fan since my very earliest days. (Indeed, one of my earliest memories of SF is reading A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle back in maybe third grade or so. So, when I learned of a list of the Most Significant SF & Fantasy Books of the Last 50 Years, I just had to do like my fellow SB'ers and look at which ones I've actually read. For some of them, I'll also add a brief comment (for example, at least a couple of these books I consider to be highly overrated). So, here we go. Bold means that I've read it: Read the rest of this post... | Read the comments on this post... (Source: Respectful Insolence) Respectful Insolence blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=464019 Sun, 11 Mar 2007 14:01:36 +0100 464019