Singer / Songwriter / Lyrics / Music = Songs

• This-Topic-is-Heavy__Is-There-Gravity-in-Me.mp3
• This-Topic-is-Heavy__Is-There-Gravity-in-Me.mp4

Man, that’s heavy
What a levy
On the brain… gain.

[Verse 1]
Is the gravity underground
Holding me down
I’d sure like to know
Where it’s found
[Bridge]
Guess I’ll take a look around
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Chorus]
This topic is heavy
Levity in brevity
Breaks the levy
The force sets the course
[Bridge]
Of course,
Whose mass will pass?
Sing: Wild thing
You move me
Gravity
[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Verse 2]
Is the gravity within me?
It’s just so hard to see
But it’s holding me down
From flying unbound
[Bridge]
Guess I’ll look at my insides
To see where it resides

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Chorus]
This topic is heavy
Levity in brevity
Breaks the levy
The force sets the course
[Bridge]
Of course,
Whose mass will pass?
Sing: Wild thing
You move me
Gravity
[Instrumental, Piano, Bass]

The force sets the course

A SCIENCE NOTE
Gravity acts on all objects, regardless of whether they are on the surface of the Earth, above it, or underground. The gravitational force that you feel pulling you down is primarily due to the mass of the Earth beneath your feet. Here’s a detailed explanation of how gravity works in this context:

Gravity on the Earth’s Surface

1. Source of Gravity: Gravity is the force that attracts objects toward the center of the Earth. This force is due to the mass of the Earth. According to Newton’s law of universal gravitation, the gravitational force between two masses is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
2. Feeling of Weight: The force of gravity acting on your body gives you weight. This force pulls you toward the center of the Earth, and the ground provides an equal and opposite force (normal force) that prevents you from falling through it.

Gravity Underground

1. Gravitational Force Below the Surface:
   • Inside a Uniform Sphere: If you were inside a uniform sphere (a simplification of the Earth), the gravitational force you feel would be proportional to your distance from the center of the sphere. This means that as you go deeper underground, the gravitational force would decrease linearly with depth.
   • Real Earth Conditions: The Earth is not a uniform sphere; its density varies with depth. However, the principle remains that the gravitational force inside the Earth is due to the mass of the Earth that is at a greater depth than your position. The gravitational force decreases as you go deeper because less mass is beneath you to exert a downward pull.
2. Net Gravitational Force: When underground, the net gravitational force acting on you is still directed toward the center of the Earth. The mass above you exerts an upward pull, but it is less than the downward pull from the mass beneath you.

Summary

• Surface Gravity: The gravity you feel on the surface is due to the entire mass of the Earth pulling you toward its center.
• Underground Gravity: As you go underground, the gravitational force decreases because the amount of mass beneath you decreases. However, gravity still acts to pull you toward the center of the Earth.
• Normal Force: Whether on the surface or underground, the ground provides a normal force that balances the gravitational force, preventing you from falling.

In conclusion, gravity is not specifically “holding you down” from underground, but rather, it is the Earth’s mass as a whole that exerts a gravitational force on you, keeping you grounded. The concept of gravity applies universally, and the force is always directed toward the center of the Earth, regardless of whether you are on the surface or below it.

Is there gravity in me?
Yes, there is gravity within you! All objects with mass exert a gravitational force, and this includes every part of your body. Here’s a detailed explanation of how gravity works within you:

Gravitational Force and Mass

1. Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation: This law states that every point mass attracts every other point mass by a force acting along the line intersecting both points. The formula for this gravitational force ($F$) between two masses (m1m1​ and m2m2​) separated by a distance ($r$) is:

F=Gm1m2r2F=Gr2m1​m2​​

where $G$ is the gravitational constant.

2. Gravitational Force Within Your Body: Every part of your body has mass, and thus every part exerts a gravitational force on every other part. For example, your head exerts a gravitational pull on your feet, and your feet exert a gravitational pull on your head.

Magnitude of Internal Gravitational Forces

1. Very Small Forces: The gravitational forces within your body are incredibly small because the masses involved (the mass of your body parts) and the distances (within the scale of a human body) are relatively tiny compared to the mass and distance scales where gravitational forces are typically noticeable, such as those involving planets and stars.
2. Example Calculation: To give you a sense of scale, consider two parts of your body, each weighing 1 kilogram and separated by 1 meter. The gravitational force between them would be calculated as follows:

F=G(1 kg)(1 kg)(1 m)2F=G(1m)2(1kg)(1kg)​

Given G≈6.674×10−11 N m2/kg2G≈6.674×10−11N m2/kg2, the force $F$ would be:

F≈6.674×10−11 NF≈6.674×10−11N

This force is extremely small and negligible in everyday life.

Importance of Internal Gravitational Forces

1. Insignificance in Biological Context: The gravitational forces within your body are far weaker than other forces at play, such as the electromagnetic forces that hold your cells and molecules together. These internal gravitational forces do not play a significant role in the biological or mechanical functions of your body.
2. Overall Gravity Experience: The dominant gravitational force you experience is from the Earth’s gravity, which pulls you toward its center with a force that gives you weight. The gravitational interactions within your body are insignificant compared to this.

Summary

• Gravity in You: Yes, every part of your body exerts gravitational forces on every other part.
• Magnitude: These forces are extremely small and negligible compared to other forces within your body.
• Dominant Force: The gravitational force you notice and experience in daily life is primarily due to the Earth’s gravity, not the internal gravitational forces within your body.

In conclusion, while gravitational forces exist between all masses, including the parts of your body, they are so small that they do not have any noticeable impact on your daily life or biological functions. The primary gravitational force you feel is from the Earth itself.

From the album “Days” by Daniel

MegaEpix Enormous

• Dead-in-the-Middle-II.mp3
• Dead-in-the-Middle-II.mp4
• Dead-in-the-Middle.mp3
• Dead-in-the-Middle.mp4

[Intro]
(knock, knock}
Knock on would

[Instrumental, Guitar, Drum Fills]

[Verse 1]
So, here’s a riddle
Are you dead in the middle
Can’t get your heart
To start

It’s easy to see
You’re not a tree
Try to get your heart
To take part

[Chorus]
Then you can feel
For real
And can grow
To know
[Bridge]
Come on
Let’s give ‘er a go!

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Verse 2]
Why not show what’s inside
What have you got to hide
Let’s take it for a ride

Begin to let what’s in
And about to get out
Permeate
Your state

[Chorus]
Then you can feel
For real
And can grow
To know
[Bridge]
Come on
Let’s give ‘er a go!

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Are you dead in the middle?
Why make it a riddle
Count the rings
Your years bring
Does the heart still sing?

[Chorus]
Then you can feel
For real
And can grow
To know
[Outro]
Come on
Let’s give ‘er a go!

A SCIENCE NOTE
In most mature trees, the inner part of the tree, known as the heartwood, is dead, while the outer layers, including the sapwood, cambium, and bark, are alive. Here’s a detailed explanation of these different parts of a tree and their functions:

Parts of a Tree

1. Heartwood:
   • Location: The central, innermost part of the tree.
   • Characteristics: Composed of older, dead xylem cells. It is typically darker in color and denser than the outer layers.
   • Function: Provides structural support to the tree. Even though it is dead, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the tree’s stability.
2. Sapwood:
   • Location: Surrounding the heartwood, just inside the cambium layer.
   • Characteristics: Made up of younger xylem cells that are still alive. It is lighter in color compared to the heartwood.
   • Function: Conducts water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree. The sapwood is essential for the tree’s growth and survival.
3. Cambium:
   • Location: A thin layer of living cells between the sapwood and the inner bark.
   • Characteristics: It is a very narrow layer but crucial for growth.
   • Function: Produces new xylem cells (which become part of the sapwood) and new phloem cells (which become part of the inner bark). This layer is responsible for the tree’s secondary growth, increasing the tree’s girth.
4. Phloem (Inner Bark):
   • Location: Just outside the cambium layer, beneath the outer bark.
   • Characteristics: Composed of living cells that transport nutrients produced by photosynthesis (mainly sugars) from the leaves to the rest of the tree.
   • Function: Essential for distributing the energy necessary for growth and maintenance of the tree.
5. Outer Bark:
   • Location: The outermost layer of the tree.
   • Characteristics: Made up of dead cells that provide protection.
   • Function: Shields the tree from physical damage, disease, and extreme weather conditions.

Understanding Tree Growth

• Growth Rings: Each year, the cambium produces new layers of xylem (adding to the sapwood) and phloem. Over time, the inner layers of sapwood become heartwood as they die and are filled with resins and other substances that make them more rigid and resistant to decay.
• Active Growth Areas: Only the cambium, phloem, and the outermost layers of sapwood are involved in the active growth and nutrient transport processes. The heartwood, although dead, provides crucial structural support to the tree.

In summary, while the central heartwood of a mature tree is dead and provides structural support, the outer layers, including the sapwood, cambium, and phloem, are alive and perform vital functions necessary for the tree’s growth and survival.

From the album “Days” by Daniel

MegaEpix Enormous

• Rings-True.mp3
• Rings-True.mp4

(knock, knock)
Knock on wood

[Verse 1]
Earlywood would
Start me thinking
How life could
Quicken to thicken

[Chorus]
Tracking my runs around the sun
With what the trees have done
The rings around the trees
And the years I squeeze

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
Latewood could
Come a little early this year
Got so dry
It’s hard to try
(Hope I don’t die)

[Chorus]
Tracking my runs around the sun
With what the trees have done
The rings around the trees
And the years I squeeze

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Piano]

[Bridge]
Seasonal changes
Rearranges
Growth is alive
I shall survive
Then, once again
Dormancy sets in

[Chorus]
Tracking my runs around the sun
With what the trees have done
The rings around the trees
And the years I squeeze

[Instrumental, Piano]

[Outro]
You would know wood now

A SCIENCE NOTE
Tree rings, also known as growth rings, are formed by the annual growth of trees. Each ring typically represents one year of growth, and they are a result of the tree’s response to seasonal changes in climate. Here’s a detailed explanation of how they are formed:

Structure of Tree Rings

1. Spring (Earlywood) Growth:
   • In the spring, conditions are usually favorable for growth with plenty of water and nutrients.
   • The tree grows rapidly, producing large, thin-walled cells known as earlywood (or springwood). These cells have a larger diameter and are lighter in color.
   • This rapid growth allows for efficient transport of water and nutrients.
2. Summer (Latewood) Growth:
   • As the season progresses into summer and sometimes early autumn, growth slows down due to less favorable conditions, such as reduced water availability.
   • The tree produces smaller, thicker-walled cells called latewood (or summerwood). These cells are denser and darker in color.
   • Latewood adds strength to the tree.
3. Dormancy:
   • During winter, growth typically stops due to low temperatures and dormancy sets in. No new cells are produced during this period.

Formation Process

• Annual Cycle: This cycle of producing earlywood in the spring and latewood in the summer creates a distinct boundary between the two types of wood. The contrast between the lighter earlywood and the darker latewood forms a visible ring.
• Environmental Influence: The width and characteristics of each ring can be influenced by environmental conditions. Favorable growing conditions (adequate water, nutrients, and favorable temperatures) will result in wider rings, while poor conditions (drought, lack of nutrients, extreme temperatures) will result in narrower rings.
• Historical Record: The pattern of tree rings can be used to study past climatic conditions, a field known as dendrochronology. By analyzing tree rings, scientists can infer historical climate patterns, such as periods of drought or unusually wet years.

Special Cases

• False Rings: Sometimes, a tree can produce what appears to be multiple rings in a single year due to unusual weather conditions. These are known as false rings.
• Tropical Trees: In tropical regions where there is less variation in seasons, trees may not produce distinct annual rings. Growth rings in these trees can be influenced by other factors such as changes in rainfall patterns.

Tree rings are formed by the seasonal variation in growth conditions, with distinct layers of earlywood and latewood created each year. These rings provide valuable information about the tree’s age and the environmental conditions it has experienced throughout its life.

From the album “Days” by Daniel

MegaEpix Enormous

• Into-the-Water.mp3
• Into-the-Water.mp4

[Verse 1]
Today’s the first day
Of the season
Giving reason
For aquatic play

[Chorus]
I’m diving in
For a swim
I’ve got the urge
To submerge

[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]

[Verse 2]
I’m on my way
Into the water
A beautiful day
Can’t get much hotter

[Chorus]
I’m diving in
For a swim
I’ve got the urge
To submerge

[Instrumental, Saxophone Solo, Bass]

[Bridge]
Learned from mother and father
Passed to son and daughter
Evolution
Adaptation
The arrival of survival

[Chorus]
I’m diving in
For a swim
I’ve got the urge
To submerge

[Instrumental, Piano]

[Outro]
Learned from mother and father
Passed to son and daughter

A SCIENCE NOTE
The history of humans learning to swim is ancient and intertwined with our evolution and adaptation to diverse environments. While specific details about the first humans to learn to swim are not documented, several points can be inferred based on archaeological findings, historical records, and anthropological studies.

Prehistoric and Ancient Evidence

1. Natural Instincts and Survival:
   • Early humans likely learned to swim out of necessity for survival, such as crossing rivers, fishing, or escaping predators.
   • Children and adults living near water bodies would naturally experiment with floating and swimming, driven by curiosity and the need for resources.
2. Archaeological Finds:
   • Cave paintings and ancient artifacts provide some of the earliest evidence of swimming. For example, depictions of swimmers have been found in the Cave of Swimmers in the Libyan Desert, estimated to be around 10,000 years old.
   • These paintings suggest that swimming was a known activity in prehistoric societies.

Historical Records

1. Ancient Civilizations:
   • Ancient Egyptians are known to have engaged in swimming, as evidenced by tomb paintings dating back to 2500 BCE showing swimmers.
   • The Greeks and Romans also practiced swimming, with it being an essential part of education and military training. The Greeks had swimming races, and the Romans built public baths with swimming pools.
2. Literature and Texts:
   • References to swimming can be found in ancient texts. For example, in Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Odysseus swims to safety after his ship is wrecked.
   • Roman poet Virgil also mentions swimming in his epic “The Aeneid.”

Cultural Practices

1. Indigenous Practices:
   • Many indigenous cultures around the world have a long history of swimming. For instance, the Australian Aboriginal people have stories and practices related to swimming that date back thousands of years.
   • Similarly, the Polynesians, known for their seafaring skills, have a rich tradition of swimming and diving.
2. Training and Competitions:
   • In ancient Greece, swimming was part of the Pentathlon in the Olympic Games, indicating its importance in physical training and competition.
   • Romans also held swimming competitions and integrated swimming into their daily lives through their elaborate bathhouses.

Evolutionary Perspective

1. Aquatic Ape Hypothesis:
   • One controversial theory, the Aquatic Ape Hypothesis, suggests that human ancestors may have spent a significant amount of time in water, which influenced our ability to swim. This theory posits that traits like bipedalism and subcutaneous fat may have evolved to support an aquatic lifestyle.
2. Adaptations:
   • Human adaptations such as breath control, buoyancy, and the ability to hold one’s breath longer than other terrestrial animals support the idea that early humans spent time in water and gradually learned to swim.

The ability to swim likely developed gradually as early humans interacted with aquatic environments. Through necessity, experimentation, and cultural practices, swimming became a skill passed down through generations, evidenced by both prehistoric artifacts and ancient texts. While it is impossible to pinpoint the exact moment or individuals who first learned to swim, the cumulative evidence shows that swimming has been an integral part of human activity for thousands of years.

From the album “Days” by Daniel

MegaEpix Enormous