The Illusion Game

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Professor Taboo

In a university laboratory a scientist is collecting data and reactions of a student wearing high-tech goggles showing him what seems to be his own blue-jeans from the waist to his white-socked feet. Right next to the student is a manikin with the same jeans and socks wired with a real-time video feed into his goggles. As the scientist uses a soft brush to rub the manikin’s left-leg the student’s left-leg is also physically rubbed with an exact same brush, the student sees through his goggles and so feels the sensation on his left-leg. All neurological connections for the test student are accurate.

The scientist then puts a large kitchen knife in front of the manikin’s camera near the manikin’s zipper. Seeing this real-time knife in his goggles, the test student’s pulse heightens and begins to race. The scientist turns the knife downward, raises it, and suddenly stabs the test student in the crotch. The test student jumps, in fact, jumps violently. What has just happened?

The power of optical illusion is far more reaching and subtle than we sometimes know; so much so that the illusions can make us react in completely unverified ways.

Bars and clubs — there are likely no better examples of optical illusions than in places that welcome or promote “attraction” between the sexes or same-sexes; gender identity or orientation is irrelevant when it comes to The Game and profits. And the online dating websites are no exception either. Does this mean “avoid at all costs?” Certainly not! What it does mean is go in with active brain-cells and no illusions. The adage “You get what you put in” is the bottom-line and that adage is so damn true in almost ANY place and circumstance, not just the bars, clubs, and dating websites.

I have come up with one of my best approach-lines ever in my 30+ years of ‘exploration’ and fun: “Do you believe in the power of optical illusions?” Nine times out of ten the answer gives me the desired result. Sometimes I’d get the answer “What, objects in your mirror appear larger than they are?” But even better, the benefit is ultimately two-way: is my first-impression a high ROI (Return on Investment), or a flop? And based on that answer the same question is extracted from the recipient: what are they there for? What kind of ROI are they seeking? Next step. The same process works just as well online too.

Do you believe in the power of illusion?

The next step after the approach-question is just as revealing: “Do you believe in the power of verbal illusions?” Same concept, varied results. And with those varied results comes a clearer picture of the subject – which in all honesty reflects you as well. Your inquiries reflect what you are after. And none of it is inherently wrong or bad as long as the two (or group) understand what is being expressed. How often do you think that happens?

In the end I think it all comes down to this: Say what you mean and do what you say. If either of these are out of sync, then you have only yourself to turn to and re-examine.

Garbage in…garbage out. Garbage outward…garbage inward. Exquisite out…exquisite in. Beauty outward… beauty inward. Get the picture? Don’t be fooled by all the optical and verbal illusions. Question everything! More precisely, question everything you put outward and you’ll understand what you are attracting. I believe they call that The Laws of Attraction?

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The Road Less Traveled

Posted on February 16, 2013 by Professor Taboo

As part of the Alternative Lifestyles blog-posts migration over to the new blog The Professor’s Lifestyles Memoirs, this post has been moved there. To read this post please click the link to the blog.

Your patience is appreciated. Thank you!

Loud Vulnerability

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Professor Taboo

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I usually post these on my Music page, but this time I am breaking from convention, away from my usual monthly WordPress process. This go round, I am sharing what it is like to be a courageous communicator with someone you love dearly. Over the last 10-15 years of my life I have been approached by many friends and acquaintances about HOW to love more, to love deeper, and to love more freely. In all the instances, with their successes and struggles, their fears and joys, I seem to offer the same advice: Whatever you feel, whatever you think, whatever you do…do it as if you were in front of your lover all the time. In other words, if you say, or do something that you know your lover/spouse wouldn’t encourage, then there is a problem. And hence, the two of you (or more than two) must address this “fear” or “silence” as quickly as possible because you have stumbled upon a ticking time-bomb.

I also share this music because it takes me home. One can often find me on weekends or holidays dancing at these kinds of places. When I am lost in this type of place and this type of music….I am gone. Nothing short of a nuclear blast will disconnect me.

This is Armin van Buuren‘s I’ll Listen featuring Ana Criedo. Watch the video, listen to the music, and follow the lyrics below. It is all well worth it.

I won’t ask you why
No I won’t play devil’s advocate
Don’t wanna try and fix it
And make it about me
When you’re lost and all alone in your pain
And nothing seems to make sense; all in vain
You find in here a safe space to cry
And I’ll just meet you there
The other ??world we’ll hide??

And you can share your heart
Show yourself
I’ll listen
And you can say it all
Reveal yourself
I’ll listen

I’ll listen, I will listen
I’ll listen, I’ll listen

And you can share your heart
Show yourself
When you need it
Just believe it
I’ll listen
And you can say it all
Reveal yourself
When you feel it
Just believe it
I’ll listen

I’ll listen, I will listen
I’ll listen, I’ll listen

And you can share your heart
Show yourself
I’ll listen
And you can say it all
Reveal yourself
I’ll listen

In My Tribe

Posted on June 11, 2011 by Professor Taboo

I love music and I love to dance. I am an eighth generation Texan and probably the 14th or 15th generation of dancers in my family descending from my paternal grandmother’s side. Dancing and music runs deep in our blood and being a drummer all my life the dance floor was certainly my destiny. My soul naturally gravitates toward the rhythm of harmonic melodic sound and firmly attaches itself, sometimes to the euphoric point of exhaustion. Then, and rarely any other time, I connect to our Universe with familial bonds beating in various intuitive circadian ways. The music takes over my body and my body follows its direction. Mmmm, I vibrate within and I am home.

My home away from home

Watching me dance, one friend described it as a Shaman summoning the gods of Life. That may be a most appropriate description because the “high”, if I may call it that, reaches primal tribal depths. Yet I think it goes beyond just the show of being in a night club. Actually for me it goes deeper.

A tribal connection thrives in open free expression and it means the difference between existential loneliness and the tranquility of belonging. I experience this every time I am with certain close friends at Panoptikon…my personal dance among my tribal dancers where I feel heard, understood, embraced, and open communication exists. When I am among my tribe when I feel welcomed and embraced, I count myself lucky because I know how rare this “high” is in a society constantly going and competing.

2424 Swiss Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Even though surprises arise in the process of free expression, or the dance, it is always worth the effort. In less intimate relationships, expressing ourselves honestly is essential to our sense of home. But we are not always home. Whether inside our tribe or in foreign lands, articulate communication requires forethought; otherwise we risk blundering about like the proverbial bull in a china closet. However, too much forethought can cause us to pad or dilute our words or dance, so much that we are grossly superficial or confusing the matter further. Honest articulation, expression, dance are the critical principles among your tribe and there are many methods of doing this; none of them especially right or wrong.

When you communicate or express yourself honestly and boldly with your tribe, you also open paths to discovering more tribal dancers unique to your persona and purpose. These recognizable souls can fall into your life from your own journey and initiative, or they can find you and lead you to new connection. In any circumstance, if you feel disjointed then it is time to push your envelope, your limits. Get out of your comfort-zone! Fear stifles, courage fulfills.

For me and my primal connection, I dance with my tribe at Lord Byron’s Panoptikon — 108 S. Pearl Expy, Dallas. They are now building their independent website. Other nights I am down the street in Deep Ellum, Dallas, TX at The Church — 2424 Swiss Ave., Dallas.

From one of my favorite books by a fellow drummer:

Drumming At the Edge Of Magic – A Journey Into the Spirit of Percussion by Mickey Hart

Here is the mystery: If the rhythm is right, if the translation between inner mood and the drum membrane are perfect, then you know it instantly. “Ah, this goes with my body tempo, this connects how I feel today, how fast my heart is beating, what my thoughts are, what my hands feel like.”

When the rhythm is right you feel it with all your senses, every corner of your soul and being. You don’t fight it, but instead allow yourself to be propelled and consumed by its insistent yet familiar feeling. All sense of the present moment disappears, the normal categories of time become meaningless.

We live on a planet of rhythm and time. A planet that completes its cycle around the sun every 365 days, with a moon that cycles around us every 28 days, and we rotate around our own axis every 24 hours. These cosmic cycles and our bodily ones, all connected to the circadian dance of day and night. The mystery of rhythm and time found for a moment in the soul’s drum. When it is right, you feel it with all your senses, every thread of your being. It is the ‘sweet spot’ of connection.

I have found that for me vocal-trance, future-pop or synth-pop, and industrial-metal carry me away dancing. A lot of the time I am completely oblivious to my surroundings. If you’re wondering if this journey is in part or entirely a result of alcohol or drugs, you are incorrect. Because of my family heritage in dancing, and my intuitive drum, I have no fears or hangups being in the center of the floor and letting my beast out.

Most of the time I am out there to the point of exhaustion if my particular beats go on and on; I can’t seem to stop. And why would I? Medical science has shown that getting your heart-rate up for just 30 minutes a day is equal to one anti-depressant pill. I dance for at least 4 hours, sometimes 5 with just brief breaks to breath. It is the best natural high I know other than the zone I reach playing the drums. Well, actually I guess there is one other….the birth of my two children! HAH! No, to be fully transparent it was also the process leading up to my two children and those other similar moments. 😉

Find your tribe, find your dance, and you find a home where you belong.

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How To Go To A Goth-Industrial Club

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Professor Taboo

I found this article from eHow.com to be quite amusing and accurate of the “scene” at Dallas goth-industrial clubs/events. The Tips & Warnings portion at the end of the article was particularly flattering of the scene too. I hope you like it as well.

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Whether you’re a nightlife newbie or a clubbing regular, Gothic and industrial clubs offer a fun, all-inclusive atmosphere. However, the Goth clubbing scene has its own unspoken rules of etiquette. This guide will tell you how to dance with someone, dress, and fit into this exciting scene during your first visit.

1. — Wear black. Many Gothic and industrial parties have door policies by which a visitor can be charged up to three times more than a partygoer in black or scene wear. Ambiance is an important part of the Gothic experience, so leave the khakis and baseball caps at home.

2. — Don’t stare at or make fun of the patrons of the club. At Gothic events, it’s common for women to wear bikini tops, corsets, mini-skirts or other risque fashions, since these women regard scene parties as safe zones for self-expression. Improper touching or comments will get you thrown out immediately.

3. — Dance as much as possible [and I would add here: “don’t drink so much and NOT dance!” Idleness is fertile ground for immature B.S. gossip & drama!]. Gothic parties are all about having fun and enjoying the music. Be aware of the other patrons’ personal space. First-time visitors should leave the middle of the dance floor to club regulars as a matter of etiquette. Never simply stand on the dance floor, since it’s considered rude and a waste of space.

4. — Wear protective footwear to the party. Gothic boots are heavy, many of them with steel toes or huge platforms that could injure unprotected feet. Never wear flip-flops or other open-toed shoes, unless they have a platform.

5. — Talk to patrons politely. Many are friendly and approachable, but loathe drunks or arrogant people. It never hurts to open a conversation with a compliment or question. Scene regulars, or “elders”, can have bothersome visitors ejected with little fanfare.

6. — Be observant. Many styles of dance associated with industrial music resemble moshing, with some good-natured pushing and shoving between friends. Keep your eyes and ears open to what’s going on to avoid being hurt.