J.D. Moyer

science fiction author, beatmaker, against fascism

Author: J.D. Moyer Page 75 of 104

J.D. Moyer is a science fiction author and electronic music producer from Oakland, California.

Steven Pinker — Violence Is Down (But What About Oakland?)

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On October 17

In Culture Rants/Shares, Oakland, Utopian Speculations

Steven Pinker and David M. Kennedy

Recently I attended Steven Pinker’s lecture discussing his latest book, “The Better Angels of Our Nature.” This nytimes review provides a great summary if you’re not familiar with it. The talk was part of the Long Now seminar series, hosted by Steward Brand.

Very short summary: death from violence has been declining throughout history, and we are currently experiencing an unprecedented “long peace.”

It’s a counterintuitive proposition. The world often seems on the brink of mass destruction.

But the evidence Pinker presents is compelling. Walking down Market in San Francisco at night (which I did to get to the lecture, past dice games, thuggish types lurking in the shadows, anarchists in hoodies, etc.) is much safer than the Mongol steppes under the reign of the Khans, or Europe during World War II.

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Brain Renewal Protocol

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On September 24

In Health/Body-hacking, Mental Health, Metaprogramming

Winston Churchill’s nicknamed depression “his black dog.”

A week ago I woke up in a black mood. Instead of feeling excited about my day, I saw a series of dreary tasks ahead of me. Looking into the future, I felt despair instead of hopefulness. Things that usually bring me great pleasure (making music, time with my family and friends, drinking coffee) seemed a little less bright.

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If You Want Something More …

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On September 7

In Life Purpose & Goals, Metaprogramming

My daughter just started her last year of preschool. One thing the teachers say to the kids is “You get what you get and you don’t get upset.” (A variation at another preschool is “You get what you get and you don’t pitch a fit.”)

Well, that’s a decent life lesson. Some things you can’t control, and you just have to accept what happens. Like, your friend got a bigger portion of raisins, and your teacher isn’t going to fix it. Life is like that sometimes.

But on its own, the saying conveys too much passivity. It needs a more proactive corollary. So, at home, we’ve started saying the following to our daughter, whenever she complains about something that is well within her own power to change:

“If you want something more get your butt off the floor.”

I heard somewhere that your child’s inner monologue is based on the way you talk to them. Maybe the parent that came up with that was thinking of Lev Vygotsky big idea, which I talk about in this post. Speech with caregivers turns into “self-talk” which turns into silent self-talk, aka thought. Makes a lot of sense.

What Vygotsky didn’t mention was that the way you speak to your children also transforms your own mind. Your lessons to them become your own maxims (if they aren’t already).

“If you want something more get your butt off the floor.” Has saying that to my daughter hundreds of times made me more proactive? You bet.

Dan's Plan Total Health Infographic

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On August 31

In Fat Loss, Health/Body-hacking

As regular readers of this blog already know, I often recommend Dan’s Plan as a system for weight loss, fitness, and all-around health. If you’re in the process of creating your own health system, the infographic below is a great resource. It’s complete, clear, and well-balanced.

The philosophy behind the Dan’s Plan health system is the same as my own — in general try to be more paleolithic, while also embracing the benefits of modern civilization and information technology.

The original post is here.

Good health to you!

New Music Videos from Momu, Grimes

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On August 22

In Electronic Music

A couple more music videos to share today. One of our own (Momu – Rising), directed by Kia Simon. We got up at 3am to make that first sunrise shot. There was a French guy sleeping in the bushes when we got there (Muir Beach). He had a really nice bicycle and full camping gear … some kind of “explore America on a budget” trip I guess. You can buy the album over there on the right (cover art by LEBO).

The second video is by Canadian artist Grimes (Claire Boucher). I like it — mostly because it has lots of medieval weapons in it. Musically, there are incredibly interesting production elements. Stylistically there is a visual melange of Burning Man, hipster-homeless, Britney Spears, Ren Faire, and general LA trashiness. But Grimes is for real. She sailed down the Mississippi on a houseboat, with chickens and a typewriter, reading Mark Twain. Eating only potatoes. Cheers to Grimes.

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