Nostalgia

The July 21, 2006 entry presents my curriculum vita. There you will learn that I graduated from Pawtropolis.

What you may not know is that I took a summer session at Oxford University, Jesus College.

Now, as the weather begins to cool, I think of that brilliant Oxford summer: the intellectual stimulation, the fascinating history of the town & of Jesus College, the diversity of experiences, and yes, the ever changing, always lovely weather. Trips to London, to the Cotswolds villages, to heritage sites, and more. How I long to walk again the nooks & crannies, to find the unexpected used book store or charity shop. How I value the small mementos with which I returned.

I have visited England several times and accompanied Mama to Paris & Versailles. But it is that summer at Jesus College that remains a cornerstone of the best times of my life.

I can wish nothing better for you, my loyal friends & fans, the opportunity to visit England and, if possible, to study in Oxford.

Cyborg?

William Gibson wrote Neuromancer in 1984, years before the internet became one of our main means of communication. I first read it while relaxing in my bed (the one that looks like the sort of shoe they call mules) and I was blown away by my first encounter with cyber-punk science fiction.

Now I'm considering the meaning of Cyborg. I found this definition, among many others, by conducting a "define: cyborg" google search:


"a human who has certain physiological processes aided or controlled by mechanical or electronic device"

My Mama et Papa love the TV show, Star Trek: the next generation. The borg play an increasingly important role, threatening the galaxy, if not the universe, with their version of complete freedomWhat about the term "borg?"

"The Borg are a fictional pseudo-race of cyborgs depicted in Star Trek.....
depicted as an amalgam of cybernetically enhanced humanoid drones of multiple species, organized as an inter-connected collective with a hive mind...."*

The photos above serve 2 functions. The first:

I wouldn't want to disappoint my friends & fans by omitting a recent portrait.

Second:

Has the human brain changed radically, or even partially to resemble, not the first photo above, but the 3rd? What would be the implications of this transformation for me in particular and dogs in general? Please feel free to add your thoughts on these topics by clicking comments below.

*quoted from wikipedia. I have included their links which you can click on with my disclaimer.

Days of the Dog

Let's think about this for a moment.
Calumny towards dogs appears to be rampant.

Common Sayings
Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun
Dog Days of Summer

Film titles
Reservoir Dogs
How to Kill Your Neighbors Dog
Straw Dogs

Why pick on ever-faithful dogs while others of the animal kingdom are lauded. Check out the Lion King or even (see my title) Night of the Iguana. In that last film, the never-faithful iguana is set free; the former was so popular that a Broadway musical was created based solely on a children's cartoon.

In short, although mankind claims that his--or her--dog combines the qualities of companion, physician, and valued family member, the idiom of the English language suggests otherwise.

I recommend that people carefully examine their speech habits and frankly, mend their ways.

What's in My Name?

What's in my name? Perhaps you've wondered how I received the name Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir. Read the entry of August 12, 2006, or enjoy this, a shorter version, in which some new facts are brought to light.

The breeder who sent me across country to Mama et Papa had named me "Ellie Mae," a ludicrous name and yet a fortunate one. For Mama was drawn to me as we shared the same first name [although spelled differently].

Mama et Papa knew that Ellie Mae would certainly never fit my personality; it struck them as both silly and undignified. And recognizing my heritage, i.e. French, Irish, and Persian they considered deeply and well.

Murphy, of course, reflects my Irish background and was chosen in deference to my Grandpere's wishes. Roushanzamir,obviously, my family name.

Freddie Mercury , of Queen, was the inspiration for my given name. For Freddie Mercury was a Persian, grew up in England, and was bravely creative, becoming a world renowned musician and artist.

Multi-cultural, highly creative, and equally productive, an artist of great talent, an iconoclast, these characteristics describe Freddie Mercury, just as they dovetail with my own intellectual and psychological circumstances.

Faithful Fans & Friends, I hope you will take a moment to explore the link highlighted at Freeddie Mercury's name above. He was a hero to many and I am his namesake.

For the longer story of the origins of my name, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir, click the keyword Freddie Mercury [below].