THE

ELECTROMAGNETIC

BOX

A Short Fiction

By

David A. Archer

02/15/1968

09/06/2006

The Electromagnetic Box -

David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

2

I was looking around the other day when I

noticed the first indications of something so common,

so saturated of our existence that it is never even

noticed. I believe I ignored it as long as I did simply

as a matter of disinterest, being so much else to

experience in life.

I managed to spy the first

suggestion

pertaining

to the overwhelming

consistency of it through the minds eye of course, in

something which resembled thought intertwined

with epiphany.

The rubber chicken stepped out, just as I

stepped in. I caught a glimpse of it in the form of

shadow moving within shadow as I fully now found

myself within the confines of something many hardly

consider, and few ever realize.

I knew that it was “out” in direction of which the

rubber chicken was going, as its shadow grew on the

translucent and shifting wall while it skittered

farther away in rubber chicken fashion. The shadow

eventually dissipating in a style and form as being

far too big and dilute to any longer be considered a

shadow. The “out” part now drew my interest a bit

more as well.

Since it was that I was now “in,” and “out” was

seemingly only through a thin division of

physiological acknowledgement. And further that

both were actually “in” in more ways than either

could be considered “out.” It very much was that any

rational individual would surmise themselves either

being out of their right mind or conversely, in to

something to the degree of now being privy to an as

of yet fully explored separation of “out” and “in.” In

regard that is, to an area of consideration which is

hard pressed to fully measure.

I knew one thing for sure at this point, and that

was the fact that a rubber chicken was now in the

“out” part of where I had just left to become “in,” to

some degree. Again, “in” being relative and alterable

with the level of acknowledged in-ness or out-ness

regarding the separating factor, which I would soon

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David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

3

find was not so much a partition as structure, as

simply an aspect to this different level of consistency

quite normally in life.

I then further found the question as to what

exactly it could be that supported the running

shadow of a rubber chicken upon the area of

acknowledged division which now surrounded my

person lending to the idea of “in” opposed to “out.”

I don’t recall installing a drop light at a distant

point in my mind, especially a given distant point

from the non specific point I now found myself

occupying with the commission of being “in.”

No epiphany was this. Nor standard pattern of

thought, either. In fact, I am surprised at myself for

even having found the means with which to manifest

such a notion, the notion itself being beyond the

confines of said notion…as even a notion… but once I

glimpsed the very edges of it directly, the avalanche

of recognition set itself upon its course imbuing the

freshness one might expect of having rearranged

their furniture, then walking again into a familiar

room for another “first time.” This again however,

not being a room…but being the recognition of mind.

The similarities with paradox are remarkable…

though readily anyone can see the specific and very

definite manufactured aspects of and within this

grand emulation. It is very much one aspect within

another, then again within even itself to some

degree.

There are really few ways to describe it

accurately. As it moves and changes and is perceived

while being entirely ignored in everyday life.

It is never the same, though consistent even

from person to person, respectively. That aspect I

personally find rather intriguing as per the

emulation which it is of life itself, beyond of course,

the incessant presence of a rubber chicken.

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David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

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The fact that within such variation and

distinction much becomes and remains as a constant,

to some degree is remarkable of itself. The fact that

it has become such an unfailing normality with little

notice is even more remarkable.

It is in no way symmetrical, though at times it

may appear to be if it were that it could actually be

viewed.

And it is by far the most perfect

imperfection in the creation of the human species as

far as I can tell from my humble perspective.

It makes sense that such rings true unarguably,

being that the flowing and changing body of it

consists entirely of varied and inconsistent range and

confines, as constant if not a continuum.

This

occurring as result of modes and means with and

within the production of it as we absent mindedly

maintain it. Even through simple existence…. that

is, what we now consider “simple” in that regard.

When I consider it, a person could even liken it

to a more advanced sketch type of animation flipping

from card to card as it streams and courses

effortlessly, immediately and quite firmly limiting

the capacity of that which we call “mind.” Each

being somewhat different than is another as per

individual consideration.

As per individual and

likewise as per influence.

We do it to ourselves it would seem. Unless it is

that a rubber chicken is ruling a control panel

somewhere, but I can’t see it being as some “science

fiction evil guy plot” simply because it is far too

inconsistent. Even the most bumbling of “science

fiction evil guys” and rubber chickens combined

would manage more consistency, if even only as a

matter of “evil guy” and rubber chicken pride.

From what I can imagine, it is very much

because of our every day lives… a conditioning of

sorts combined with our progress in and through

that in which we put ourselves as a common

occurrence.

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David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

5

For instance, you sit in a living space that is

rather consistent in design. While in that living

space you are subject to various other consistencies

which are of human make. Even the sixty cycle

frequency of the electrical configuration can and does

qualify as said conditioning. This, combined with

whatever other electromagnetic elements you may

frequently experience, then renders… just say for the

sake of argument, an imprint of sorts within that

conditioning upon your mind… which obviously, is

roughly relative to that very contained space.

Further, it is that even conditioning alone attributes

to this confined perspective… that is in meaning to

convey, that the consistent experience of a given

space, then eventually sets in as a representation to

some degree.

Further then, when considering this direction of

thought, it then becomes a much easier thing to

consider the various effects of something such as

headphones. Further within that then, is the

consistent conditioning derived from the various and

varied symmetries within the consideration of where

the information you are experiencing, was produced.

Not to mention the harrowing effect which results

when it is that a rubber chicken is present within

such an area of confinement.

To make this a bit more clear, the artificial

atmospheres consistently utilized and constantly

present in most modern forms of musical (and other

electronic) entertainment, are just that. The actual

space and expanse which transpires in relation to

said “capacity” is only to the size and even shape

when you think about it, of the areas and rooms in

which, from which, said entertainment was

produced. Many said “rooms” being of different size

and shape themselves, which then creates a rather

entertaining visual in thought when considering the

motion and interaction of it all. That then, is again

limited – more so amplified in effect within the very

nature of electromagnetic frequencies, and within

that amplification arises said limitations.

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David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

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I’m not saying this is good or bad per say. I in

no way feel qualified to make such a judgment call. I

only know that in realizing it from a certain

perspective,

it

brings

an

entirely

different

consideration of even basic perception…into,

perception as it were. Especially if you somehow

overlooked the rubber chicken.

I even find it odd that I happened upon the

thought given the incredible consistency of said

forms and variations of conditioning. It is as if the

thought in and of itself would not be an obvious

possibility within said conditioning, being of course

that the thought of the electromagnetic box would

have to be recognized outside of the electromagnetic

box – knowing full well in such a situation that a

person cannot perceive an “outside” if they do not

recognize being within an “inside,” and then further

could not perceive such a containment or consistency

in prospective “shape,” much less recognize the

presence and imprint of something as subtle as a

rubber chicken. In fact, it is considerable that those

being firmly within their specific type and sort of

consistency, might see such a thought as outrageous

never having had the call to consider it.

Perhaps, within the sparse exposure to extreme

measures of said influences through my life time, I

managed to retain more of my capabilities beyond

that area of standardization? Again, not meaning to

suggest any sort of “science fiction evil plan,” but

plainly noting an obvious, however imperfect and

inconsistent it may be, consistency.

I do not believe that this electromagnetic box is

all encompassing. It couldn’t be quite frankly…as I

am sure that none would tolerate a rubber chicken

lording over such a small confinement. I also do not

believe that it is of a solidified nature, as I have

described. I feel it is more in the manner of an

overlaying consistency bearing great potential and

display in variation and actuation within said flaw of

inconsistency. It is something that is just part of our

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David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

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daily conditioned existence, and really always has

been to one degree or another. Only that it is with

modern advance that we have found the

amplification in effect through the various means I

have described, and others as well I am sure – even

aside from the rubber chicken, to impose and

maintain said “structural manifestation” and said

confinement.

Another aspect of this consistent imperfection,

is then the capacity it serves in becoming a filtration

of sorts. A “standard” area of focus and perception

magnified and contained over and beyond any

similar consistencies throughout the history of

humanity… or even rubber chickens for that matter.

I suppose the phenomenon itself could stand to

serve as example in favor of the idea that things

aren’t meant to be overly defined.

Even the

emulation that it is, of which it is… is very much

dependent upon the use of “different” frequencies

simultaneously.

That in and of itself indicates the presence of

inconsistencies

as

per

“plural,”

in

tandem

components.

Then heaped into that “equation” is the obvious

existence of various band widths which exist again,

simultaneously… and further then, becoming as

much as any other – and simultaneously, the stroke

which forms and maintains said “geometric” patterns

of consistent conditioning…. Again, much through

our very simple and plain existences.

To further explore this in example, it is that any

various combination of recorded audio for instance…

sets forward its own “room” and/or combination of

“rooms” within a given spatial consideration.

Basically then, it would be within the largest “room”

where-in all other present, smaller though just as

dominant

“geometrical”

considerations,

would

reside…even so when considering various different

representations simultaneously – as result of said

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David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

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conditioning.

Then, within that configuration is

added the aspect of motion. Changing configurations

of “rooms” and other influences.

I should state that I am not referring to the

common use of “effects” processors. As I have stated,

they, even in regard to the “biggest” representation

of effect… are still confined within the given

geometrical space from which the example signal

was derived. The “sound” of more space, is simply

illusion in regard to the real effect and reaction of the

real sound waves, so to speak.

Then of course, is the added peculiarity within

the effect of our modern digital sequences even

further contained within this in-flux perimeter.

I think it really freaks the rubber chicken out

and I can definitely see why as it streams and flows

mechanically. Really nothing much more than a

smearing blur through the rest of it.

It kind of adds a touch of décor one might say.

As if it were the “woman’s touch” on the bland and

mundane aspects of existing décor. It contributes a

factor as it streaks through, which in effect results as

a person might imagine the motion of an electrical

shock upon a conductor….but it isn’t of the electrical

variety… it simply moves as such, smearing in flow

as would a sparkling pastel smudge , following the

confines and established shapes of that geometrical

configuration in motion.

That must be as result of the time codes…the

motion of the “décor” that is…where the colors and

sparkles might represent content attached to said

time codes.

All of it then rendering a rather

interesting effect. Interesting I would imagine, if it

were that you didn’t happen to be a rubber chicken.

I might speculate… in the most far off reaches

of imaginative conjecture, that the presence of such

an attribute as is said digitalization now existing

within the already established emulation… could

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David A. Archer02/15/1968 ©Copyright 09/06/2006

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arguably signify the possibility of other dimensions.

Just as a matter of course in the consistency

presiding over the various emulations in conjunction

and comparison with the actual aspects of existence.

Then of course in respect to that old tried and true

concerning proofs in opposition and of course, the

ever looming dichotomy so precious to those game

show freaks and rubber chicken hounds.

How could it not be so with only those monolith

type of examples alone?

Of course, the use of such consistency as is the

game show freakish element… means that the

rubber chicken might be out of the loop so to speak in

regard to game show participation. Given that the

digitization seems to really put the rubber chicken in

a snit.

When you think about it though, it is a small

price to pay in order to begin proving the existence of

other dimensions… not to mention, other forms of

dementia within such efforts… given the level of

exertion needed to maintain any sort of superiority

within the illusion that a given individual

“discovered” of “invented” something that they most

likely can’t even begin to really understand anyhow.

And further then, that dementia is a sure thing as

everyone knows it has long been the rubber chickens

that have kept it at bay.

Once the rubber chickens are left out… we all

might as well be popping happy pills and playing

touch my product on the “Spin The Family Brawl”

game show circuit.

I suppose it won’t matter much though.. as long

as there are trinkets and prizes… and no rubber

chickens around to scare the mental illnesses away.