Odd Jobs

11/29/21

On reflection, it might strike the readers of this research journal that interjecting personal information into a scientific document is in poor taste and possibly even calls into question my own objectivity which is the backbone of empirical research.  The point of these forays into the past is to inform the reader of the whys and hows that have led to my unwavering commitment to this field of study. For myself, these entries are cathartic and serve as a substitution for human company. Long hours spent huddled in an impromptu shelter from dusk to dawn trapped by inclement weather leaves one with plenty of time to reminisce about the past. For those who do not appreciate learning more about the events that shaped this giant of academia, I leave you with my most recent research notes

Field notes: 

Spent the past few days recording baseline audio of this area during all hours of the day as a control in establishing a soundscape that will aid in isolating audial anomalies that my instruments might record.  

I’ve set up a web of audio recorders that form a “sound trap”. I know some reading this will shake their heads and wonder why I don’t use game cameras instead which can capture both audial and visual evidence?

Sound travels farther in the cold air and layers of snow muffle all the little noises leaving more pronounced audial waves to travel faster and with more clarity. Taking advantage of these conditions and employing shotgun mics means I can cover a much larger distance than normal. The point of this exercise is to collect audial evidence of G. Blacki but also as a method of isolating possible locations of high activity. This is akin to leaving out a fishing net in a tidal inlet wherein food might be gathered without physical effort once in place. Similarly, these audio recorders work for me leaving me more time to conduct better survival.  

Living your life’s passion day in and day out is a privilege that not many experience. The reader might wonder how it is that I fund my operation? During breaks in my research, I’ve taken on many odd jobs but continue to sleep rough not only to maximize the effect of my income but to maintain the necessary hardiness required to spend months in the bush. 

I’m not too proud to engage in menial labor as a means of furthering human knowledge although my credentials could certainly land me with more gainful employment, folks tend to ask fewer questions of those engaged in say waste removal jobs. 

This allows for a level of anonymity which is necessary to keep the idlily curious from contaminating my research areas. Also, the hours are beneficial as my commitments outside of science are completed by early afternoon. The other benefit is that during mindless labor the precious jewel that resides in my cranium is free to focus the immensity of its powers on the subject of my research. Countless advances in theory, as well as research techniques, have been formulated whilst hosing out the back of a garbage truck at the end of a grueling shift.