NUMENON |
PONDERING CORE ESSENCE
NUMENON |
This crazy writing enterprise began with a discussion of boat names (feel free to check out "About" or the original blogging entry in Numenon, above), and the collection of potential vessel monikers has become something of a (silly, if not moronic) personal hobby. It all started with the naming of my first boat, Mrs. Paul, and grew when a co-worker scripted Plan Sea on a yellow sticky note as I left the office to take the Summer of 2006 "off" with my kids. (That work hiatus was possible courtesy of my employer's "Plan C" option for periods of unpaid leave.) Some names are serious candidates for a future boat; many are just a whimsical, imagined stern. My apparent, empirical criteria for a good boat name include the possibility of being double-, or even multiple-edged; and it helps if the potential name is also some combination of fun, silly, naughty, sick or truly legitimate. Before I lose them, here are some that I've collected over the previous (several to many) years. Enjoy! A Little Bit Nautical Bunker Boy - The menhaden, a.k.a. Bunker or Pogie, might be the most important fish in the sea. It efficiently coverts plankton into fish flesh, and is the favored prey for many predators. Find the bunker and find the fish, at least during the New England saltwater season; and they are so much fun to find and collect, that I offered my services as permanent "Bunker Boy" to my guide during a trip to Rhode Island's Narraganset Bay. Pogielicious - Along those same lines, but this time, "thanks" to Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Sea Smoke - When the air is colder than the water, you can encounter whispy Sea Smoke. It's always fun to be out there during such conditions! Aquitard - Simply a barrier to encroaching water, just like any good boat; but it somehow sounds so wrong! Captain Howdy - This is the name of the possessing demon in "The Exorcist". And yet he sounds so friendly! Who could pass up a trip with Captain Howdy? A Little Bit Philosophical Effect Affect -or- Affect Effect - Society can't seem to decide; Does one want to put into play a certain persona; or to influence a specific outcome? In the end, which will provide the most meaning or fitness? It's a shifty, Left Brain - Right Brain, Steak - Sizzle kind of dilemma. Aren'ticulate - So much to say, and so little ability! But I can relate, for sure. AfterMath - Clipped from the beginning of a favored rap song, but perhaps summarizing a quiet retirement option after a life of data and science? One Shot - What will one do when that singular opportunity presents itself? The song might actually named "Lose Yourself", but I used to play the song I thought of as "One Shot" before every tournament and muskie outing. Willful Idleness - This ironically describes both a good way to get fired and a productive way to approach retirement. Man-Infested Density - The familiar concept of "Manifest Destiny" captured me as a younger man, especially with respect to the 19th Century style of American art that it inspired. But our society is currently so dysfunctional in certain ways, and I am inclined to now think of this slightly jumbled version as an important root cause. Mandamus - This refers to a court order demanding a required or obligatory public service. It's a very firm reminder to do the right thing! I'm all about these notions. Plus, it's Latin! Of Medical Origin (kind of) Tomb Essence - This is likely to be an unpleasant odor, but phonetically, it's localized turgidity. Angel Lust - What a charmingly polite and Victorian way to describe the prominent, localized pooling of blood of a recently deceased man. Canal Lube - As previously described in numenon.blogspot.com/2017/04/cubicle-vs-root-canal.html, a good dentist has to clean out the root space during a root canal of a dead tooth. But it does sound (literally) unnerving and a bit naughty to the patient in the chair when the dentist asks for some from the assistant. Phlegmish Cap - The Flemish Cap is a notable shallow area of the North Atlantic's Grand Banks, once the most prolific of ground fisheries. And phlegm ... is just phugn. Proud Flesh - This is just prominently exuberant healing tissue, but it sounds so interesting! GoPro Zach -or- Go Prozac - Love my GoPro action camera! And I respect the medical power and benefits of Prozac. Why not mash 'em? Anagrammatic Shock - I once claimed to have fallen into "Anagrammatic Shock" (no small joke) when involved in some sort of Brain Teaser challenge. But more generally, I love rearranging pieces to get a different outcome, especially if it is unexpected or somehow at odds with the original construction of the entity. Imagined to be written with a carved marble font meant to look "Ancient Greek" and Rhyming with "Hercules" Cubicules - I've spent so much time in my cubicle. But if I imagine myself as Cubicules, Greek Hero of Work, then it's a bit easier to accept. Testicules - Based on the above premise, at least loosely. Neuticules - Based on the above premise, but with the additional bonus of including the concept of prosthetic testicles for neutered pets; to make them feel better, too. Other - I don't really know how to classify these Leaky Larva - Certain insect larva are excellent baits; a leaky larva is even more attractive to the fish. This would look good on a nice small, decrepit craft. Deuterium Distraction - Is localized groundwater contamination by deuterium really a health hazard? Or is looking for it just a distraction from other, real issues? Wetter Than Water - What's possibly wetter than water? Add a surfactant and find out! Altar Ego - Go fishing with a Catholic Priest, and you start thinking about these things! Incomeplete - This is not a typo; certainly anybody with a boat has the sense of not having enough money, i.e., the feeling of being "incomeplete". Used and Retired Mrs. Paul - This was my first boat's name. It was selected for its feminine qualities, and also with the less-than-humble knowledge that I controlled the price of salmon whenever I returned to port. 80-Buck Baboon - I've no desire to go on a safari or an African Trophy hunt, but I did come cross the fact that the going rate to harvest a baboon was only $80 in about 2005. Who among us, having incurred the expense of travel and the other trophies, would forgo a measly $80 to add another species to the bag? Alas, officially changing the name of my salmon team to "80-Buck Baboon" was disastrous; we lost our good fortune and struggled through a series of poor tournament performances. Thank You, Current Politics Affluenza - Really? Being too rich to know how to function as a reasonably human being is a legitimate defense in court? Rimfire - I really enjoyed my time as one of the World's Most Foremost Outfitters at C's, but the public's insane demand for ammunition sickened me. Many folks thought they were wisely preparing for the future or otherwise beating The Man as they stocked up on .22 (rimfire) bullets. I think they'd generally benefit from from some Preparation H to combat their rimfire fever. Deranged Dotard - For this one thing I can say, "Thank you, North Korea!" A Bit Too Racy or Politically Incorrect, Even in Fun, for Inclusion Here (These are, unfortunately, too numerous for me to admit.) Serious Contenders, Actually Quale Hunt - I've previously written about the quale; see numenon.blogspot.com/2015/01/quale-hunt.html . I found the concept of "quale" to be instantly familiar, yet intriguing. As previously described above, much like a duck, you’ll recognize a quale when you encounter one. How stupid of me to attempt an essay on this topic; a quale, is after all, defined in part as “ineffable”; it cannot be communicated, and can only be understood through experience. It is clearly foolhardy to write about such things; and yet I bet you know exactly what I mean. I could simply say “red”, “toothache”, or “mouthwatering steak” and you would have your very own personal reaction. There’s no saying that your reaction is the same as mine, your mother’s, or in any way “correct.” But we have an undeniable, personal reaction in response to each these prompts, and those are our specific qualia. Having experienced the response, you know (your personal version of) the subject. What is more personal or intimately known? What could be more rewarding to share? No wonder, I am on the hunt; and I think everybody else should be, too. Eudaemonia - I'm surprised that I've not yet written about this; I've long had a "draft" entry as a reminder to do so. Much like my concept of "Numenon", this term captures a concept known to be important, enduring, and worth our attention. And yet, it can seem so difficult to describe or fully grasp. Any of these traits qualify the term as a contending boat name! Anyway, last summer, I was introduced by my best friend to a term I really should have been more aware of: Eudaemonia. Literally meaning "Good Spirit", perhaps it is better and more completely defined as "well-being" and "human flourishing." Just a tiny bit of Internet Research would indicate that this was, according to Aristotle, the greatest human good; and seeking this state is perhaps our most noble pursuit in life. It's tough to argue against that, but once again, we are confronted with the question of How? to do so? By simply being one's best? At what? By seeking purpose and meaning to our days and efforts? Or by accepting what we have and where we are? By living enthusiastically, and sharing that enthusiasm with others? By cultivating and nurturing shared relationships? By knowing, practicing and noticing these things, and thereby being present, both for our own thoughts, but also for the thoughts, needs and experiences of others? There's a lot there! Fluctuate nec Mergitur - I encourage you to check out another previous post; see numenon.blogspot.com/2016/03/fluctuat-nec-mergitur.html . "Buffeted by the sea; but will not sink!" What a beloved boat name! Mackerelmore - This is simply a take on my desired C's nick-name, "Tacklemore", which was in turn a play on Macklemore of "Thrift Shop" fame. During Maine's summer, he with the best access to mackerel often wins the striped bass game. Plus, the mackerel are so beautiful and fun; I'd be honored to fish aboard a sporting vessel in New England christened as "Mackerelmore". Squid Hound - The striped bass, my primary quarry in New England, has many names; striper, rockfish, and linesider instantly come to mind. But this is the striper's nickname that just keeps sticking with me as a boat name. Hop aboard, let's go hunt some stripers! Salty Dog -or- Sawlty Dog - The "Salty Dog Rag" is Dartmouth's adopted song and dance of the "square" variety, and I could certainly think of my boat as a Salty Dog. Especially if it happened to be a beautiful, simple green boat by Salty Boats of Maine. It would only be right. The second spelling variation could be adopted to emphasize the local accent, should I choose to do so. Mooncusser -or- Mooncussah - When you are a land-based pirate intent on luring ships too close to shore with fake lighthouses as a means of scuttling them and plundering their treasure, you will surely be inclined to cuss out the moon for its brightness. One might simply be generally inclined to cuss; and one might certainly choose to do so as a striper fisherman, too. Again, I offer a spelling variation for the purposes discussed above. Bona Fortuna -or- Bonah for Tunah - Just check out the previous post. AmyBaby22 - I'm really certain of only one thing; if my next boat happens to be a 22-footer, it will surely be named after the single love of my life. Pondering the questions of core essence and finding meaning in unexpected ways
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This entry certainly could have been included in a post about boat names; any New Englandah should appreciate good luck at sea. But I have to admit, I really like fishing for tuna. The bigger ones are exciting (even if they are a lot of work to land), and the smaller ones are sporting on the appropriate tackle. They are found in beautiful environs, they are beautiful themselves, they pull like mad, they are top predators, and they'll hit topwaters! What else could one ask for? I was fortunate to encounter several yellowfin tuna (and a bonito) during our recent trip to Costa Rica. From maybe 10 pounds to about 60 pounds (for me) or 70 pounds (for K), each was a gift, of sorts. The first appeared out of the blue to smash my popper, and the last was part of a most wild and surreal scene I've had the pleasure to experience. One yielded to the equivalent of walleye tackle, and my favorite provided an airborne strike from above, right next to the boat. To anybody who might read this; I wish you Bona Fortuna; or in my native dialect and way of thinking, Bonah for Tunah! Pondering the questions of core essence and finding meaning in unexpected ways Our trip to Costa Rica certainly was worth the wait! Repeatedly delayed, I returned after almost 33 years. I wish I hadn't waited so long! Quickly and unanimously, this trip was declared to be our best-ever family vacation. I was the sole potential hold-out; and only because I feared it was, perhaps, a bit too fishing-oriented for the others to fully enjoy. But I was decisively over-ruled. And I firmly accept this decision! Now, the fishing is chronicled in the NumenonFunFishing section, above. Here, I am going to try to explain the value of this trip, without too much reliance on, or reference to, my fishing experiences. That said, the fishing part of the trip was virtually made in the first few hours, when M landed the fish of just about anybody's lifetime: After our first, exciting day on the water, on Monday, January 15, 2018 we spent the day with a naturalist (Brian) exploring the local environs. This included a protected "preserve" located near, if not adjacent to, Corcovado National Park. Sometimes referred to as the Jewel of the Osa, Corcovado was the wildest and most beautiful part of the country I'd seen in 1985. It was a main factor in our decision to return to this part of Costa Rica. I found this day to be oddly satisfying, as I was able to share with my family a part of my life that was once so important to me. This was why we were in Costa Rica! The day was not filled with jaguars and tapirs, but rather with birds and trees. I'd forgotten how much I'd lost. But the Brian's information was still familiar, and I could appreciate what was being shared. The stands of primary growth that we encountered (Black Garlic and Purple Heart trees of purported Columbian vintage) were simply humbling. Engrossed in monkey, toucan or macaw encounters, I was honored to share the day with my girls. We'd accessed this preserve through a local farm. Our entrance fee went directly to Miguel as compensation for this access and preservation of his land. Miguel demonstrated great character and care for his land. Our fee certainly meant more to him than to me. I was pleased to participate in this direct, two-way transfer of benefits. After a day of rest, K and I enjoyed a day of offshore fishing. This day included an epic chase involving sea-birds, bait dolphins, tuna and our boat, the HepCat. There is really nothing more wild than this setting; and we were in the midst of it, repeatedly. Moreover, this scene never ends; it happens every day. I am glad to realize it; and I'm glad to now accept this as part of my world. I can always relive these memories on cold winter nights, or from my cubicle. In no way does our photography capture the scope or urgency of the life and death spectacle that all were participating in. That we both caught beautifully large tuna is secondary to the experience of the setting itself. When our twin tuna hit the deck (acknowledging that K's was larger), an eerie calm settled over me. Up until that point, I'd been in a bit of a rush, racing the clock, trying to beat it by checking accomplishments/experiences off the list before my time ran out. I'd never specifically thought about this particular experience. It wasn't a preconceived expectation or specific desire. But it happened; and having shared this with K, in this environment, I knew that I was somehow completed. I didn't need another "fishing" thing to happen. I was full. I was content. I was pleased to recognize this. In all honesty, I was happy to fish for most of the next 48 hours, too! Perhaps most meaningfully, several of our hosts over the course of our trip independently noted just how "lucky" I am. I couldn't agree more; they were all recognizing the obvious love and affection within our family that is the wellspring of this luck. This trip was worth the wait! Pondering the questions of core essence and finding meaning in unexpected ways |
Steve LachanceVia Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Michigan and now, back to New England! Archives
June 2024
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