Posthuman Blues

Mack's death didn't exactly capsize me, but it did take some wind from my sails on what otherwise might have been a very good day. I went to see "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow"; right as the movie started I developed stomach pains, which robbed some of the enjoyment from an excellent movie. Among other things, "Sky Captain" is the closest thing to a "steampunk" film I'm likely to see. I think mainstream critics are missing out with their predictable "the effects are great but that's about it" treatment.

Hey, here's something kind of weird: You know how when you screw your eyes shut you see vague geometric patterns? For the last couple days I've been seeing quite elaborate stuff -- glistening biomechanalia and trippy cross-hatching. I close my eyes and, more often than not, I've got this funky kinetic tapestry waiting for me. It was cool at first. Now it's getting annoying.

(Jeez -- I must sound like Philip K. Dick with his account of "violent phosphene activity." Actually, I attribute my "visions" to circadian fluctuations and disturbances in caffeine intake.)

So, are The Authorities lying about Toutatis? Does the world end today? If it does, there's one comfort to be taken: John Mack didn't miss out on a whole hell of a lot.

Song of the day: "Slippery People" (Talking Heads)