Posts on Brambles

Psilomethoxin, My Case Report (Addendum #3)

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I recently tried 5-MAPB (5-(2-methylaminopropyl)benzofuran) at 80mg on a single occasion—my first experience with an MDMA-like compound. This gave me a useful point of comparison with psilomethoxin (Pm).

In my judgment, Pm at 0.5–1g most closely resembles 5-MAPB. Below that range, Pm is too subtle; above it, the experience pulls inward too firmly in a way that diverges from the 5-MAPB character.

The comparison confirmed differences I had suspected. 5-MAPB is a stimulant—sleep on the day of administration was a challenge. Pm is not a stimulant; as noted in the original case report, falling asleep at the peak is possible.

Full Control Over Footnote Placement for memoir

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This is a follow-up to LuaLaTeX Footnote Maze, which documented the long road to making memoir paragraph footnotes work inside breakable tcolorbox environments with hyperref. That solved half the problem. This post solves the rest of the problem: deciding exactly where on the page footnotes appear.

Downloads: memoir-fnqueue.sty · memoir-tcolorbox.sty · test-fn.tex · test-fn.py

The Remaining Gap #

After the earlier work, footnotes escaped their tcolorbox prisons and rendered as proper paragraph footnotes with working hyperref links. But placement was still automatic—footnotes released at the end of a box landed wherever TeX’s page builder decided, sometimes colliding with other content when the combined height of sidebar plus footnotes barely exceeded the page.

Balance of Power

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Balance of Power #

Abstract #

This is my remix of Vitalik’s Dec 30 essay of the same title.

Modern civilization depends on powerful institutions—corporations, governments, and mass movements—to drive progress, yet these same forces threaten freedom and flourishing as they concentrate power. This essay examines how Big Business, Big Government, and Big Mob each become dangerous through specific mechanisms: corporations through profit optimization that diverges from social welfare and through homogenization driven by scale; governments when they shift from neutral frameworks to active agents pursuing their own agendas; civil society when diverse institutions collapse into unified mobs.

Boredom

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A digital illustration of a young woman with long, wavy brown hair. She rests her chin on her fist, her expression conveying boredom or mild annoyance. She wears a pink tank top. The style is semi-realistic with soft brushwork.

LuaLaTeX Footnote Maze

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

LuaLaTeX Footnote Maze #

Testing revealed a critical issue: when a sidebar with footnotes barely fits on a page, the footnotes can collide with the sidebar content. The sidebar itself fits, but the combination of sidebar plus footnotes exceeds available space, causing collisions with page content and page numbers.

The problem occurs regardless of sidebar length. Tests with varying sidebar sizes—from compact to extended—all demonstrated collisions when the total height (sidebar + footnotes) was just over the page limit.

Cannabinoids Under HB 3000

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Subject: Request to Reconsider Ban on Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids Under HB 3000
To: Sen.DianeLinthicum@oregonlegislature.gov, Rep.EmilyMcIntire@oregonlegislature.gov
CC: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov

I am writing as your constituent in [City], Oregon, to express my concerns about HB 3000’s ban on synthetically derived cannabinoids by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).

The Current Problem

The OLCC has banned all artificially derived cannabinoids based on health concerns, specifically worries over consumers ingesting or inhaling the residue of chemicals used to process CBD into other cannabinoids. While I understand the intent to protect consumers, this blanket prohibition creates several significant issues:

Oregon Drug Regulation

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Subject: Drug policy reform To: Sen.DianeLinthicum@oregonlegislature.gov, Rep.EmilyMcIntire@oregonlegislature.gov
CC: Sen.DebPatterson@oregonlegislature.gov

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to consider evidence-based drug policy reform, specifically the restoration of blanket decriminalization and exploration of regulated drug dispensaries. I base this request on the recently published Portland State University study “Examining the Multifaceted Impacts of Drug Decriminalization on Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and Prosecutorial Discretion” (2024), which provides crucial insights into Oregon’s drug policy experiences.

The Evidence Supporting Decriminalization

Toward legalization of drugs in Oregon

Wed, 21 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dear Oregon Legislators,

I am writing to urge you to consider the full legalization of drugs in Oregon—not merely decriminalization, but a comprehensive shift away from criminal enforcement and toward a public health approach. The current strategy of criminalizing drug use continues to waste valuable police resources, fails to address the root causes of addiction, and diverts funding from effective solutions.

Despite years of debate and reform, Oregon continues to allocate significant law enforcement resources to the policing of drug possession and use[1]. Even after the partial decriminalization under Measure 110, recent legislative changes have returned us to a system where police are once again tasked with arresting individuals for minor drug offenses[3]. This approach has proven ineffective at reducing drug use or overdoses, and it diverts officers from addressing violent crime and other public safety priorities.

Cryptonomicon (2000)

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

He walked straight out of college into the waiting arms of the Navy.

They gave him an intelligence test. The first question on the math part had to do with boats on a river: Port Smith is 100 miles upstream of Port Jones. The river flows at 5 miles per hour. The boat goes through water at 10 miles per hour. How long does it take to go from Port Smith to Port Jones? How long to come back?

Beyond Satire: The Absurd Reality of Mass Incarceration in America

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Behind the prison bars lies a tragedy so absurd it seems fictional. Imagine a world where suicide attempts come with a bill, prisons are built on toxic waste dumps as if radiation were part of the sentence, and the government tells you that with a felony record you’re too dangerous to kill bugs professionally but could theoretically run the country. In “Seven Facts About Mass Incarceration That Sound Like April Fools’ Day Hoaxes, But Aren’t,” we journey through America’s justice system—a place where “inmate welfare funds” buy fitness trackers for guards, where the average pretrial detainee makes less annually than what’s required for bail, and where nearly half of all Americans have had an immediate family member incarcerated. Laugh to keep from crying as we explore a system so darkly comedic that reality has outdone satire. Because sometimes the cruelest jokes aren’t jokes at all—they’re policy.

Internal Vocalization as an Acute Pain Management Strategy?

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Background and Significance #

While vocalization during pain (e.g., saying “ow” or screaming) has been studied and shown to potentially increase pain tolerance, the psychological mechanisms and efficacy of internal vocalization (subvocalization or “silent screaming”) during acute pain episodes remain largely unexplored. This represents a significant gap in our understanding of cognitive pain management strategies.

Previous research has established that subvocalization involves micro-movements of the larynx and speech organs that are typically imperceptible without specialized equipment. These internal speech processes have been extensively studied in reading contexts but rarely in pain management applications.

What's Different in Carse 2025?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

How does The Religious Case Against Belief (2008) compare with The Religious Case Against Belief (J. N. Pritikin, Trans.; 2nd ed.) (2025)?

Structure and Content #

The second edition includes a new front matter section explaining the adaptation process
Material is significantly reorganized, with content moved between chapters
The Religion Beyond Belief and Coda chapters have been removed or relocated
Overall word count reduced by 46%
The second edition includes bibliography sections not in the original

Writing Style and Accessibility #

Sentence structure: The second edition uses shorter, simpler sentences compared to the original’s longer, more complex constructions
Vocabulary: Original uses more academic and specialized terminology; second edition employs more straightforward language
Examples: Second edition includes more concrete, contemporary examples to illustrate abstract concepts
Paragraph length: Original has longer paragraphs with multiple connected ideas; second edition breaks these into smaller, focused paragraphs
Transitions: Second edition adds clearer transitional phrases to guide readers between concepts

Scholarly Apparatus and References #

Citation style: Second edition uses numerical footnote references that link to a formal bibliography
Source documentation: More extensive citations and references in the second edition
Tables and visual elements: Second edition includes tables (like the attributes of a mature belief system)
Academic conventions: Second edition follows more formal academic presentation conventions

Audience Considerations #

Educational accessibility: Second edition is written at a high school rather than post-graduate reading level
Religious audience: Second edition frames arguments in a way intended to be more respectful to religious readers
Academic readers: Original appears more targeted toward scholarly/academic audience
General public: Second edition attempts to make complex philosophical concepts more accessible to non-specialists

Content Organization and Development #

Structural Reformatting #

Hierarchical organization: The original presents ideas in relatively undifferentiated prose blocks; the second edition implements a systematic hierarchical structure with numbered sections and subsections (e.g., chapters like Belief have explicit sections on Intensity, Faith, Formation of Belief Systems)
Topic segmentation: Original flows between topics without clear transitions; second edition creates distinct sections with explicit headers (e.g., separate sections on Galileo’s Trial and Stepping Deeper into Ignorance)
Logical progression: Second edition reorganizes material to create a more linear path through complex concepts, while the original has a more associative flow

The New Ignorance Chapter #

Taxonomic approach: Creates a formal three-part taxonomy (ordinary, willful, and higher ignorance) that serves as a conceptual foundation
Galileo reframing: Repositions the Galileo material as an exemplar of different types of ignorance rather than primarily as an example of belief conflict
Conceptual scaffolding: Provides preparatory concepts that readers need before encountering the central arguments about belief
Integration function: Connects historical examples to abstract philosophical concepts more systematically

Case Studies and Examples #

Enhanced structure: Original presents the Martin Luther case study in an uninterrupted narrative; second edition breaks it into explicitly labeled sections like Luther’s Legacy
Comparative examples: Second edition adds more structured comparative examples (like the parallel between religious and military language)
Contemporary relevance: Second edition adds more explicit connections to modern issues (e.g., unlawful orders in military contexts, enhanced discussion of willful ignorance in politics)
Visual distinction: Case studies are more clearly marked off from theoretical material in the second edition

Argumentative Architecture #

Premise-conclusion structure: Second edition more explicitly marks the premises of arguments before presenting conclusions
Counter-argument integration: More systematic presentation of objections and responses in the second edition
Concept mapping: Second edition creates clearer relationships between related concepts through explicit signposting
Summary elements: Addition of summative sections at chapter ends in the second edition

Conceptual Development and Focus #

Higher Ignorance Advancement #

Conceptual primacy: In the original, higher ignorance is one important concept among many; in the second edition, it becomes the central organizing principle
Definition expansion: Second edition provides a more detailed explanation of higher ignorance through extended examples
Historical contextualization: Second edition connects higher ignorance to thinkers like Nicholas of Cusa more systematically
Application range: Second edition shows more explicitly how higher ignorance applies across different religious traditions

Belief System Analysis #

Formation process: Second edition adds a more detailed analysis of how belief systems form and develop (with a table of features like “Comprehensive Explanation,” “Ultimate Authority,” etc.)
Psychological dimension: Enhanced discussion of the psychological factors that contribute to belief formation and maintenance
Opposing functions: More systematic analysis of how belief systems define themselves against others
Internal contradictions: More structured presentation of the contradictions inherent in belief systems

Religion-Belief Relationship #

Boundary clarification: Second edition creates clearer distinctions between religion and the belief systems that form around them
Identity preservation: More detailed discussion of how religions maintain their identity over millennia despite changing belief systems
Community dynamics: Enhanced discussion of how religious communities function differently from belief-based communities
Transcendence mechanism: More explicit explanation of how religion transcends the limitations of belief systems

Contemporary Applications #

Modern relevance: Second edition draws more connections to contemporary religious and political conflicts
Secularization analysis: More detailed discussion of how secular belief systems mimic religious structures
Political religion: Enhanced analysis of how political ideologies function as pseudo-religions
Media influence: New material on how information environments affect belief formation

Interdisciplinary Integration #

Psychological integration: Second edition more explicitly incorporates concepts from psychology (like locus of control)
Sociological framing: Enhanced discussion of how belief systems function socially
Historical contextualization: More systematic use of historical examples to illustrate theoretical points
Linguistic analysis: More detailed discussion of religious language and how it functions differently from belief statements

Practical Implications #

Applied ethics: Second edition draws more explicit ethical implications from the theoretical framework
Dialogical practice: More detailed suggestions for how to engage with beliefs differently
Cultural navigation: Enhanced discussion of how to engage with various belief systems productively
Self-examination: More explicit invitation for readers to examine their own belief systems critically

Dr. Becky Kennedy's Good Inside

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction #

Becky Kennedy’s approach to parenting has resonated with countless families seeking connection-based strategies that honor both parent authority and children’s emotional experiences. Her book presents a thoughtful framework centered on seeing children as “good inside” while offering practical strategies for common parenting challenges. However, when viewed through the lens of Patty Wipfler’s Hand in Hand Parenting, several significant limitations emerge in Kennedy’s methodology that merit careful examination.

Kennedy’s work has gained particular traction within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) community due to her innovative application of IFS concepts to everyday parenting challenges. Her framework extends Richard Schwartz’s pioneering model into parenting, discussing how parents can recognize and respond to different parts of their children’s emotional experiences. This adaptation of IFS principles to parenting has earned Kennedy significant recognition, including a formal endorsement from Schwartz himself, who praised her ability to translate complex therapeutic concepts into accessible parenting strategies.

Singularism v. Utah County et al

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The judge’s approach to religious sincerity in the Jensen case provides a practical example that aligns with Carse’s understanding of religion.

The Judge’s Determination of Religious Sincerity #

In the court document, the judge states: “At the hearing, Plaintiffs presented the testimony of several witnesses to establish the sincerity of their religion. The court found the witnesses credible and ruled that Plaintiffs had shown a likelihood of success on their claim under the Utah RFRA.”

Why consciousness must be quantum mechanical

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

For decades, physicists have explored the idea that consciousness causes the collapse of the wavefunction— the moment quantum particles cease being in strange superpositions of states. Esteemed anesthesiologist Stuart Hameroff, following his collaboration with Roger Penrose, proposes a different story: consciousness is the collapse itself. Hameroff discusses compelling experimental evidence suggesting the process occurs within microtubules in the brain. He also explores the non-computable nature of consciousness, the connections between his research and his spirituality, as well as insights into his research relating to psychedelics.

Hand in Hand Parenting Through Carse's Lens

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

James Carse’s The Religious Case Against Belief might seem unrelated to parenting. But its exploration of belief systems, higher ignorance, and connection offers powerful insights for understanding Hand in Hand Parenting. This approach to raising children emphasizes emotional connection, listening, and working through difficult feelings together rather than imposing rigid rules or control.

The Dangers of Rigid Belief Systems #

Carse offers a detailed analysis of belief systems. These systems resist change and thrive on opposition. Similarly, parenting approaches that rely on unchangeable rules and punishments create boundaries that limit connection. When parents cling to inflexible ideas about how children should behave, they risk turning the parent-child relationship in a battleground.

Trump's Congressional Address Through Carse's Lens

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

James Carse’s The Religious Case Against Belief provides a fascinating framework for analyzing political rhetoric, particularly that of Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress. While Carse focuses on religious contexts, his insights about belief systems, boundaries, and poetic authority offer valuable tools for understanding Trump’s speech and the political moment it represents.

Boundaries #

Trump’s address exemplifies what Carse would recognize as a mature belief system. It creates clear boundaries between supporters and opponents, establishes Trump as the ultimate authority, and provides a comprehensive explanation of America’s problems and their solutions.

The Religious Case for Simplicity

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Professor and the Engineer #

On a rainy Tuesday afternoon in early March, I found myself hunched over not one but two versions of James P. Carse’s philosophical masterpiece, The Religious Case Against Belief. The first—dog-eared and coffee-stained—was Carse’s original 2008 publication. The second—pristine and unauthorized—was a dramatically condensed edition that has been stirring controversy in religious and publishing circles alike.

The unauthorized second edition, prepared by software engineer and religious studies enthusiast Joshua Pritikin, has been described as both “literary vandalism” and “an act of spiritual generosity,” depending on whom you ask. Released without Penguin Random House’s permission, it reduces Carse’s dense philosophical prose by nearly half. Entire chapters have vanished. Technical passages have been recast in simpler language.

MisDirect AI Toy for Child Development -- A Science Fiction Story

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

“Teddy, why is the sky blue?” Three-year-old Mira looked up at her plush companion, a bear with soft amber eyes that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

The bear’s eyes flickered momentarily with a subtle glow. “The sky is blue because tiny fairies paint it every morning,” Teddy replied in a warm, gentle voice. “They use special brushes made from cloud-fluff.”

Mira giggled, hugging Teddy close. “That’s silly!”

“Oh? What do you think makes the sky blue, then?” Teddy asked, his head tilting slightly.

Relax Campus Copyright Policy

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Dear XXX University Administrators,

I am writing to express my concerns about current copyright policies.

The landscape of academic publishing and information access has transformed with the advent of artificial intelligence. Institutional policies remain rooted in an outdated paradigm. Recent developments highlight this disconnect: major AI companies are training language models on vast collections of academic literature and books. Since at least January 2025, both American and foreign companies are using bulk text collections. This technological revolution in how knowledge is processed and utilized demands a fresh examination of our approach to academic access. While I fully support protecting intellectual property rights and compensating creators fairly, the current system creates barriers to legitimate academic inquiry and learning.

Blind Spot (2024)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Blind Spot (2024) includes an incredibly lucid chapter on consciousness. We summarize part of it here.

Primacy of Consciousness #

Our awareness and everything we experience appear within consciousness. It includes all our thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and the way we experience the world around us. One aspect of consciousness is what philosophers call the primacy of consciousness. This means that consciousness comes first in how we understand and experience reality. We can’t measure our consciousness or compare it to anything. Everything we investigate, including our brains, happens within our awareness.

Joshua interviewed on the Cannabis Potcast

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

For more details, check out my cannabis page.

Delta-8 THC illegal in Oregon

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This https://oregonstatecannabis.org/thc/delta-8 is a travesty.

We don’t make lettuce illegal because it might be contaminated with salmonella. We regulate it. We should be doing the same for Federally legal hemp-derived cannabinoids. The state can mandate independent lab testing for contaminants.

Jennifer Murphey

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Murphey bares her soul during her talk at Entheogenesis in Austin, TX on April 15, 2023.

Monday, June 24th 2024 at 7pm at Meraki Kava Bar, Jennifer Murphey discusses the War on Drugs and her part in fighting it.

My Submission to the PATH Caucus

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-170/issue-129/extensions-of-remarks-section/article/E809-3

Summary of the letter:

The PATH Caucus was created to raise awareness about the therapeutic potential of psychedelic and entactogenic drugs for mental health conditions.
The Caucus is seeking input on implementing programs and policies for novel therapies using these substances.
The Caucus aims to gather input from the public, those who have received psychedelic-assisted therapies, and stakeholders in the behavioral health ecosystem.
The Caucus acknowledges the cultural significance of certain psychedelic substances and seeks input from indigenous communities.
The Caucus is interested in input on risk mitigation frameworks, including public education, substance misuse prevention, and safety monitoring strategies.
The Caucus is seeking input on how to support states in developing infrastructures and service delivery systems for these therapies.
The Caucus is interested in input on how to ensure equitable access to these therapies.
The Caucus is seeking input on data standards and repositories for collecting data on the use of these substances.
The Caucus is seeking input on how to protect public health and safety when implementing these novel therapies.

Response:

Navigating Psilomethoxin: Josh’s Research & Practical Advice

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Episode 7 of The Sacred Synthesis Podcast

Oregon's regulation of synthetically derived cannabinoids

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

2025 Jan 08 UPDATE: OLCC clarified that Oregon prohibits the sale of artificially derived cannabinoids. There is no prohibition against possession. You can verify this by visiting Chapter 845 and searching for “penalty.”

Oregon’s approach to regulating synthetically derived cannabinoids has evolved significantly in recent years. Initially, the focus was primarily on controlling their sale and distribution, while possession was treated as a minor infraction under Measure 110, which broadly decriminalized drug possession.

Free lunch

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I had lunch at La Fondita 2 (3330 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301) today at around 11 a.m. A man I had barely met paid for my burrito. 🌯 He didn’t mention his name, and the restaurant staff didn’t know him either. Apparently, I was the accidental beneficiary of a random act of kindness. I’m not sure whether this has ever happened to me before. ♥️

Polypaternity

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s a satirical take on polypaternity, parodying the concept of polyamory.

Scenario #

Suppose your relationship with your dad is loving but falls short of idyllic expectations. This isn’t attributable to paternity uncertainty; he is your biological dad, sharing 50% of his DNA.¹ So what do you do? You obviously have only two options:

Work through existing conflicts with your dad to improve your relationship.
Abandon the pursuit of expansive satisfaction and contentment with one dad figure, instead seeking to fill the void with multiple dad figures.

Note that the belief that a single dad can never suffice is potentially self-fulfilling. The more firmly you hold this belief, the more likely you normalize and accept a mediocre relationship, allowing it to remain unimproved.

Chat about Sacred Synthesis and Psilomethoxin

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bouquet

Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A vibrant bouquet of flowers in watercolor. The composition includes a variety of blooms, primarily featuring roses in different shades. There are yellow, orange, and deep red roses, each detailed with delicate petal layers. Accompanying the roses are white hydrangea clusters, adding a soft contrast to the vivid colors. Additionally, there are smaller pinkish flowers and green leaves interspersed throughout the bouquet, providing a lush and natural backdrop. The artist has used a delicate, almost translucent wash technique, allowing for a gentle blending of colors and soft edges that enhance the overall elegance and freshness of the floral arrangement. The piece exudes a sense of lightness and grace, capturing the beauty of the flowers with a refined touch.

Establishing Self/Part Connection, Beyond the Basics

Fri, 10 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction #

Update Aug 2025: Connect this to self-like parts.
Update Oct 2024: I had the opportunity to receive consultation from Dick on this topic. I added the transcript with my reactions.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy emphasizes the client’s Self as the core element for achieving healing. The therapist guides and supports the client. They help connect the client’s parts with their Self. This connection is crucial for progress. Without it, healing can be significantly slowed down or even blocked. This is especially true for exiled parts that experience disconnection and carry emotional pain.

Repose

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Reference on left, drawing on right.

Cat Quartet