Long time reader...

[barq]

Hi,

I'm a long time reader of BL due to amazing info on technical questions. This forum has incredible knowledge, so I thought maybe it was time to join in and give something back (as well as being sociable). I have background in psychological research (I don't diagnose or do counselling), but cross over into some neuroscience and some psycho-pharmacology (have friends who do the latter so we talk lots).

You might see me mainly in the "self-medicating" category, but I believe in harm reduction and make no judgements about why people take substances. I used to enjoy more of a buzz and it is still nice when medicine comes with a nice mood boost ;-)

Look forward to getting to know like-minded people, and hopefully help with some questions. I'm from the EU so use British English, but spent a while at an American university so I'm a bit "mid-Atlantic" ;-)

All the best,
barq (pronounced like "bark")

 

[Jabberwocky]

Looking forward to hearing your opinions and unique experiences to share, barq.

You sound interesting/smart - what cool hobbies do you have?

Let us know if you have any questions.

Welcome to Bluelight!

 

[barq]

Hi Madness00

Thanks for your warm welcome.

Most of my time is spent working, but I like photography (especially using older Nikon and Russian lenses). I am really into movies as well. Originally I wanted to be a movie director and trained for that. But it is very hard to get into the industry. I have had small parts or been an extra in everything from pop videos to a Ridley Scott film (sorry, can't be more specific or IMDB will reveal who I am - although I'm definitely not famous, and these are small bits 20 years ago).

I still have a weird talent for finding movies/TV being shot on location. The funniest was going on holiday and finding my rented house was in the middle of where Dunkirk was being filmed (the harbour, for anyone who has seen the movie). I spent several happy days watching Christopher Nolan direct his cast and crew. I said to someone "I'll never get to see an A list director working up close again". Then I went home to find Steven Spielberg making a movie on my street! That sounds like a brag, but I just find it really funny - what are the chances? ;-)

But that's my old career. I sort of fell into psychology by accident, but it suits me because it is a science, yet has some slightly more artistic aspects (e.g. if you do social psychology you need to know about culture). You can jump from French philosophy to nerve conduction velocity and sticking electrodes on people. That's fun! My work keeps me very busy, but I'm really lucky to be paid to do interesting stuff (again, I won't be specific on my research or I'll reveal myself through Google Scholar!).

Looking forward to getting to know people on this forum. I am on some others, but this has a unique ethos, which was why I wanted to contribute as well as just read.

Thanks for having me!

 

[Jabberwocky]

Very cool.

David Lynch fan?

 

[Zonxx]

i'll welcome you with some sound advice friend, avoid sleep deprivation it's a hell of a drug

 

[barq]

Very cool.

David Lynch fan?

I respect his work, although I'm not sure if I like it. Blue Velvet was very memorable for its depiction of a depraved psychopath.

When acting we used to have to perform a famous piece at auditions and casting agencies, my joke to other actors was to pretend I was going to do that scene from Blue Velvet ("Shut up! It's daddy, shithead! Now where's my bourbon?") followed by the breathing from gas mask etc. Other actors were horrified as they'd gone with Shakespeare ;-)

You like Lynch then? Twin Peaks, Dune, etc

 

[Jabberwocky]

Haha, hey.. whatever you need to do to get it right.

Yeah, i like him. Eraser head, Mullholland Drive, etc. Even his short skit Rabbits was interesting. I am by no means a good judge of film, but i like the uncertainty that Lynch provokes. Do you have any recommendations for other directors i may like, liking lynch?

And what about psychology moves you? Anything in particular?

Nice to have you

 

[TheLoveBandit]

@barq

First, welcome to the site! We're happy you chose to join up.

I'm a long time reader of BL due to amazing info on technical questions. This forum has incredible knowledge, so I thought maybe it was time to join in and give something back (as well as being sociable).

That's kinda been our mantra for years - come for the Harm Reduction drug info, then stay for the community aspects. It keeps experienced minds around to advise and share with newer members. Just keep in mind, now that you're here, you're one of the great minds as well...so we look forward to sharing discussions with you.

I believe in harm reduction and make no judgements about why people take substances. I used to enjoy more of a buzz and it is still nice when medicine comes with a nice mood boost ;-)

Another theme for us, in that we try not to judge and are simply looking to inform people so they can make decisions for themselves. And a buzz is always nice

I spent several happy days watching Christopher Nolan direct his cast and crew. I said to someone "I'll never get to see an A list director working up close again". Then I went home to find Steven Spielberg making a movie on my street! That sounds like a brag, but I just find it really funny - what are the chances? ;-)

Amazing that you'd be so fortunate by accident. I marvel at times at how fate, or whatever you may believe in, can know our wants and put us in the right situation for them. I take that as karma for when bad things have happened along the way, but that's solely my way of interpreting such things. I've experienced similar myself over my career. Still, for what you list, that is awesome.

You can jump from French philosophy to nerve conduction velocity and sticking electrodes on people. That's fun!

Sorry, I got hung on the last part and had a great laugh. Thanks!

getting to know people on this forum. I am on some others, but this has a unique ethos,

I'd love to hear how YOU would describe our ethos. Some of us have been here forever, and so our view (and taking for granted) of how BL is or what it means to us may be very different from what draws in new members. As such, I would be very interested in why you chose us, what factors stood out to you.

Other actors were horrified as they'd gone with Shakespeare ;-)

LOL...I'm going to love seeing you around here.




PS - you have anything to do with this? I love this stuff: