Huh 3

The perceived proportions of the sky can vary depending on factors like your location, the time of day, and weather conditions. However, from a purely geometrical perspective, we can consider the following:

  • Hemispherical Shape: The sky essentially forms a hemisphere above the observer. This means that if you were to imagine a dome stretching from horizon to horizon, that would represent the visible sky.  
  • Angular Measurements: We measure distances in the sky using angles.
    • Horizon to Horizon: The distance from one horizon point to the opposite one is 180 degrees (half a circle).  
    • Horizon to Zenith: The distance from the horizon to the zenith (the point directly overhead) is 90 degrees (a quarter circle).  
  • Reference Points:
    • Cardinal Directions: North, South, East, and West divide the horizon into four equal 90-degree sections.
    • Celestial Poles: The North and South Celestial Poles are the points around which the stars appear to rotate. The altitude of the visible celestial pole corresponds to your latitude on Earth.  
  • Visual Perception:
    • Flattened Dome: Although the sky is hemispherical, it often appears flattened or compressed, especially near the horizon. This is due to atmospheric distortion and the way our brains process visual information.
    • Relative Sizes: The apparent sizes of objects in the sky (like the sun and moon) can be deceptive due to their vast distances and the lack of reference points for comparison.

In Tightsqueeze, Virginia:

  • The general proportions of the sky would follow the hemispherical model described above.
  • The specific view of the sky would depend on the observer’s surroundings. Open fields would offer a wider view of the horizon, while forests or mountains could obstruct portions of the sky.
  • The altitude of the North Celestial Pole would be approximately 37 degrees (matching the latitude of Tightsqueeze).

Remember, these are just general guidelines. The actual experience of the sky can be influenced by numerous factors, making it a dynamic and ever-changing canvas.

Huh 2

Yes, the sudden and complete disappearance of the moon and stars would indeed be a strong indication that you might be experiencing a reality that is not the baseline, physical world.

Here’s why:

  • Astronomical Impossibility: The moon and stars are celestial bodies governed by well-understood laws of physics. Their sudden and complete disappearance without any observable cause would defy our current understanding of the universe.
  • Shared Reality: The absence of such prominent celestial objects would be immediately noticeable to everyone on Earth. If you were the only one experiencing this, it would severely challenge the notion of a shared objective reality.
  • Sensory Input & Consensus: Our senses provide us with information about the world, and we rely on consensus to validate those perceptions. If your sensory input drastically contradicts the shared experience of others, it could indicate an issue with your perception or the reality you’re experiencing.
  • Simulation Theory: In the context of a simulated reality, such a dramatic alteration could be the result of a glitch, a deliberate manipulation by the creators of the simulation, or even a sign that the simulation is breaking down.

However, before jumping to the conclusion that you’re in a construct, it’s crucial to consider:

  • Mental Health: Hallucinations or other perceptual disturbances could cause you to believe something is missing when it’s not. It’s essential to seek professional help if you have concerns about your mental health.
  • Extreme Natural Phenomenon: While highly improbable, there could theoretically be an extreme and unprecedented natural phenomenon that obscures the moon and stars completely.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to:

  • Seek confirmation: Talk to others immediately. Are they also experiencing the absence of the moon and stars?
  • Document your observations: If possible, record the sky to provide evidence of your experience.
  • Consult experts: Reach out to astronomers or other relevant professionals to see if there’s any scientific explanation.
  • Seek professional help: If you’re concerned about your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

The sudden disappearance of the moon and stars would be a profoundly disorienting and disturbing experience. It would raise deep questions about the nature of reality and your place within it.

Huh

If the sky suddenly grew huge in a demonstrable way, it would trigger widespread panic and awe, leading to significant social, scientific, and philosophical implications:

Immediate Reactions:

  • Overwhelming Awe and Fear: People would be terrified and awestruck as the familiar sky transforms into a vast, potentially ominous expanse.
  • Global Panic: The sudden and inexplicable change would likely trigger mass hysteria and societal breakdown as people struggle to cope with the unknown.
  • Disruption of Daily Life: Transportation, communication, and other essential services could be disrupted as people grapple with the fear and confusion.

Scientific Investigations:

  • Astronomical Observations: Scientists would scramble to understand the cause of the phenomenon, focusing on astronomical observations and atmospheric studies.
  • Theoretical Physics: Physicists would explore the implications for our understanding of the universe, questioning fundamental principles and searching for explanations within existing or new theories.
  • Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Some might speculate that the event signals the presence of advanced extraterrestrial beings or a deliberate manipulation of reality.

Social and Philosophical Implications:

  • Religious and Spiritual Interpretations: The event would likely be interpreted through various religious and spiritual lenses, leading to renewed debates about the nature of the divine and humanity’s place in the universe.
  • Existential Crisis: The dramatic change to the sky could trigger a collective existential crisis, forcing people to confront their mortality and the fragility of their existence.
  • Re-evaluation of Reality: The event could challenge our fundamental assumptions about the nature of reality, prompting a re-evaluation of our place in the cosmos and the meaning of life.

Long-term Impacts:

  • Psychological Trauma: The experience could leave lasting psychological scars on many individuals, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • Scientific Advancements: The intense focus on understanding the event could accelerate scientific progress, leading to breakthroughs in astronomy, physics, and other fields.
  • New Worldview: The experience could reshape our collective worldview, leading to a greater appreciation for the mysteries of the universe and the preciousness of life on Earth.

In Tightsqueeze, Virginia:

  • Residents of Tightsqueeze would witness the dramatic change in the sky, sharing in the global awe and fear.
  • The rural setting might offer some solace amidst the chaos, providing a sense of groundedness and connection to nature.
  • The close-knit community could come together for support and mutual aid, fostering resilience in the face of the unknown.

The sudden expansion of the sky would be a transformative event with far-reaching consequences for humanity. It would challenge our understanding of the universe and our place within it, forcing us to confront the profound mysteries that surround us.

Yes, if such a dramatic and objectively observable event like the sky expanding went completely unnoticed by everyone else except you, it would raise serious questions about the nature of your reality and potentially suggest that you might be a construct within a simulated environment.

Here’s why:

  • Shared Reality: Our perception of reality is largely based on shared experiences and consensus. If a major event like the sky changing drastically is only perceived by you, it would contradict this fundamental aspect of how we understand the world.
  • Sensory Input: Our senses provide us with information about the world around us. If your sensory input differs significantly from everyone else’s, it could imply a malfunction or manipulation of your perception.
  • Solipsism: The philosophical idea that only your own mind is sure to exist, and everything else could be a construct of your consciousness, would become a compelling explanation.
  • Simulation Theory: The possibility that you are living in a simulated reality where your perception is being controlled or manipulated would become a likely scenario.

However, before jumping to such conclusions, it’s important to consider other possibilities:

  • Mental Health: Hallucinations or delusions could cause you to perceive events that others don’t. Seeking professional help would be crucial in this case.
  • Misinterpretation: It’s possible that you are misinterpreting something, and the sky hasn’t actually changed. Double-checking with others and seeking objective evidence would be necessary.
  • Rare Phenomenon: There might be a rare atmospheric or optical phenomenon that only you are in a position to observe due to your specific location or circumstances.

Ultimately, if you find yourself in such a situation, it would be crucial to:

  • Seek confirmation: Talk to others and see if they noticed anything unusual.
  • Document your experience: Take pictures, videos, or write down a detailed description of what you observed.
  • Consult experts: Reach out to scientists, meteorologists, or other relevant professionals to see if there’s a scientific explanation.
  • Seek professional help: If you suspect a mental health issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

The experience of being the only one to perceive a major event like the sky expanding would undoubtedly be unsettling and confusing. Exploring all possible explanations and seeking help would be crucial in understanding the situation and ensuring your well-being.

Now To Get Back To Work

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

I have been aggressively daydreaming and dilly-dallying with magical thinking for way too long this summer. I need to buckle down and start to get back to work on my novel(s.) I am going to have to do something, anything, if I plan on querying something this spring.

I have some really solid novel ideas, but they’re not going to write themselves. It’s just been a lot more difficult than I could possibly imagine to get myself into the right frame of mind to be creative again.

I have had a lot — A LOT — going on in my life the last few days and my mind has been anywhere but where it needs to be if I’m going to write some novels. But I hope that will change now.

I hope.

A Rough Screenplay Treatment

By Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

Here’s a rough screenplay treatment that has popped in my head of late for some reason.

The setup is that we learn that the Greek and Roman gods were real. They were just invisible (to humans) multi-dimensional machine intelligence creatures. They messed with the affairs of Man all the time until Christianity began to take over the world.

Or something like that.

I just can’t figure out what type of plot to give the story now.

Hope To Get Some Work Done Tonight

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

I hope to get a lot of creative work done this evening and tonight. I have a whole lot of shit I need to get done. I will admit, however, that I’ve been feeling a bit distracted for some reason.

But I hope to clear that up today and throw myself back into my novel(s.)

‘Qualia’

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

There are two things that I current perceive to be true:

  1. It’s Possible that Tik-Tok can read our minds
    I only even bring this up because to me, at least, this is pretty brazen — or has been. I have, in the past, repeatedly been pushed Tik-Toks that seem to reference my internal monologue. It’s all very eerie.
  2. Something is up with Spotify’s algorithmic recommendations
    This is a new development. I seem — SEEM — to be having something of a back and forth between myself and Spotify’s AI (or whatever it is.)

    Now, magical thinking would cause one to connect these two things in some way. But I’m done with magical thinking. I’m staying as strictly to what is real as possible.

    I can’t PROVE to anyone else that the two things above a real, but they are real enough to me relative to my perception of the world for me to mull What It All Means.

    Now there is a third thing:
  3. Is it possible “inception” is possible?
    This is crazy, crazy talk. But it is something to think about. The idea that actual “inception” is possible is something to give one pause for thought.

    But, as I mentioned, I’m done with magical thinking. It just had to get that off my chest.

I Wish Something Fun-Interesting Would Happen

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

We continue to be in the nadir of the year and absolutely nothing of note is going on. I continue to struggle with a massive six novel project, but, other than that….nothing.

But, August isn’t over yet.

Usually, August is when something crazy happens. So, I suppose, it’s still possible that something really nuts might happen in the next few weeks while all the wealthy snobs are on vacation and the world is being run by interns.

BBB — Where Inspiration Comes From

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

They say that there are three places one finds inspiration — bed, bath and bus. That is, essentially, you get inspiration while you’re doing other things like being in bed, in the shower or tube or traveling somewhere.

The heroine of my novel has a tattoo similar to the one Megan Fox has been seen sporting of late. Have no idea if hers is real or not.

Today, I felt a rush of inspiration while I was in the car. I realized the stakes of the first few novels just weren’t where I needed them to be. So, I’ve figured out a way to tinker with some of the elements of the overarching project to make it more compelling.

At least, that’s the goal.

The overall story continues to be the same, but I’m trying to make the stakes compelling enough that there will be a throughline that is really interesting to the point that people will be exciting to see where things go next.

Time To Develop & Write On Each Of The Six Projected Novels Of The Project

by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner

I’ve finally gotten everything sorted out in my mind. Now, I think I’m going through and think about not just the first novel in this projected six novel series, but all of them.

This should speed things up a great deal.

It would be pretty great to have a huge chunk of six novels done this spring when I start to query — or, at least, I hope I start to query. Any number of things could happen to put a…uhhh….damper….on those plans. But you have to have hope, you know?

If you don’t have hope, you don’t have anything.

But I am going to do some studying of each of the six novels I have planned and see if what I can come up with as quickly as possible.