Unanswered Questions

"A smile can do more real good than all the meditation in the world,
to my way of thinking."
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

There are seven questions that keep physicists up at night:
1. What is reality really?
2. Why the universe?
3. What is everything made of?
4. How does complexity happen?
5. Will string theory ever be proved correct?
6. What is the singularity?
7. And...How far can physics take us?

The discussion was part of "Quantum to Cosmos", a 10-day physics extravaganza, which ended on Sunday, October 18, 2009.
READ the complete article from www.newscientist.com by CLICKing here:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18041-seven-questions-that-keep-physicists-up-at-night.html

Twenty-five years ago today:

November 4, 1984
Sunday

Jim Koran and I enjoyed breakfast at The Hillside Cafe (where Billy, the waiter, works). We munched on a really good breakfast. Jim was all talk about some old celebrity named Jimmy Raye. He ate dinner with him and found him to be so very interesting. What I do know about Jimmy Rae is that he appeared with the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey bands and toured with Eddy Duchin and his orchestra. He was born in 1917 in Baltimore, Maryland. As a headliner, he appeared at Radio City Music Hall, the Rainbow Room, and the Paramount and Roxy theaters in New York City. He appeared on Ed Sullivan's and Arthur Godfrey's 1950s TV programs. One of his most daring stunts was the one-armed handstand atop the Eiffel Tower in 1935, doing his handstand while dressed in suit, tie, shirt and loafers.
PHOTO: Jimmy Rae, early days
b. 01-20-1917, d. 04-30-2006

I mentioned Jeffrey Burr but Jim failed to make any extensive comments about him.
"He is good looking," Jim said.
Subjects changed and Jim began to speak of "us".
"I know we will be in touch after our semi-eventful events together during this trip," Jim said abruptly.
I found it interesting that he used the phrase "semi-eventful", leading me to believe that he is making excuses for his sexual performance. I can relate to what he is saying but I have not made any remarks regarding it. I wish he did not feel an excuse was necessary.

Jim and I went to a pet store, then back to his apartment where we said our 'goodbyes'. I feel something may grow between us. It may be that simple friendship is the key for us right now (especially after my time with Jeffrey Scott Burr). There is an even bigger question. Is Jeff a 'one-way' street? What will come of it, considering he did not show up--as planned--last night?

Jim was getting ready to go to the Olympics Gymnastics show when I decided to depart on my journey back home. A hug. A kiss. A smile.

I drove up Melrose Avenue and found a telephone booth. I had a gut feeling to just give Jeffrey Burr one last call. He seemed glad to hear from me but I cannot be totally sure.
"My night was longer than expected, by twelve-thirty last night I was just too tired," Jeffrey explained.
His display of responsibility kind of "teed" me off but I will see what kind of response I get after I mail him a letter. That's the real test: 'cause & effect'.
My letter...followed by 'a response'...followed by 'a return reply'...followed by 'more responses' OR my letter...followed by 'NO response'...and 'The End'.

PHOTO: Jeffrey Scott Burr 'lookalike'


I hit the road by one o'clock this afternoon. I picked up Bobby, a hitchhiker dude headed for Vancouver at about 5:30pm somewhere during the middle of my drive. I had his company until I dropped him off at High Street in Oakland, California.

I drove straight over to mom's, arriving at 7:10pm. I ate there and looked at photographs of Ashley.
I told mom, "I sent you some cool postcards."

When I returned to my place I ended up having dinner with Tony and Helen. I unpacked my suitcase, looked through the accumulated mail and telephoned Jeffrey Burr. I left a message on his voice recorder.
I thought, "If he calls me that will be a definite plus. If he answers my letter it could mean the possibility for a definite friendship forming."
It was time to write the letter to the "gent".

Oh yeah, Helen gave me a neat shirt and a blue Members Only jacket. She's too sweet. She attached this note:
Michael,
Welcome back. Hope your trip to LA was fun.
Just a little something for you. I really appreciate you letting me stay with you.
I hope to move in by next week. About time, huh?
Love, H.