Monday, December 22, 2025

Shhhh! Digital Media Presents... The Butterfly Dragon: Heroes of our Own Reimagined: Episode 6 - Doctor Westin

I am Brian Joseph Johns and this is Shhhh! Digital Media at https://www.shhhhdigital.com or https://www.shhhhdigital.ca in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at 200 Sherbourne Street Suite 701.





Chapters

  1. Grammatical Woman (Started December 22, 2025 12:00 EST)


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Shhhh! Digital Media Presents:

The Butterfly Dragon - Heroes of our Own: Reimagined

by Brian Joseph Johns

Episode 6: Doctor Westin

Grammatical Woman

11 Years ago
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada


Alicia sat in the third row of the medical sciences lecture theatre, her fingers perched on the keyboard of the laptop in front of her, as she listened to the delivery of a renowned and respected scientist in the medical field.


"...just like language, the genome has is own structure. In language, we call this grammar, which the more we study naturally evolved information systems, the more we're finding that grammar, especially in highly evolved and dynamic systems like those of biological origin, have a structure that protects data integrity during the transmission and decoding and comprehension phase in the receiving party. In this case, we're talking about the actual structure of the genome that is propagated via RNA messengers during cellular mitosis. The genome is the message, encoded in a language that has syntax and grammar as part of its core structure. RNA is the messenger, carrying the genome from the origin to copy at the destination, and its this grammatical structure that contributes as much as ninety percent towards the sum data integrity. A hidden highly compressed structure of duplicity and redundancy that acts as a form of error correction as much in the genome, as it does in human language," Professor Wellman explained, pointing several times to the LED blackboard behind him.


Alicia raised her hand.


"Miss Westin?" Professor Wellman pointed to Alicia.


"I'm sorry Professor, but isn't the RNA less concerned with context and more with accuracy? Kind of like a software program that creates an intermediary memory buffer to make a copy of a file, paying no attention to the context of the data, but rather ensuring its local accuracy?" Alicia of Professor Wellman.


"Alright Alicia. I know you like to show respect and I hope that you're all listening because this applies to all of you. In academics, you don't have to sugar coat your questions and I appreciate the respect, but I'll never be right because I'm a Professor and you're not. Your question and observation is completely valid and an important point to what science is about, and what I'm saying. RNA doesn't operate like a software memory buffer, because RNA actually pays significant attention to context. Now you should first consider that in the memory buffer model you described, all genome would be exactly the same, and create an exact copy, meaning that there would be no natural change in the genome. We'd all be exact merged copies of our parents rather than the happy accidents that create individuality and uniqueness. Secondly, the genome contains context specific aspects that require the copying agent to be aware of context. To be aware of this grammar, not to mention epigenetics, which are like bookmarks, or function calls, referring to another branch of the genome, if that particular branch achieves expression. So the RNA is very aware of context, more like a librarian than a simple software program and memory buffer, and grammar plays a significant part in this aspect of data integrity. Great question Alicia. It would have been a great loss for everyone if you or someone else didn't ask it," Professor Wellman smiled at Alicia and then to the other students.


"Thank you Professor, but I'd really like to avoid repeating the Butt Kisser of the Year award I got last year from the student council. Some stigmas take quite a while to dissipate..." Alicia responded, drawing the laughter of the lecture hall.


Professor Wellman grinned and then laughed with the rest of the lecture hall, though not at Alicia, but rather with her.


"In keeping with the curriculum for your Information Theory III course, the main point to focus upon during examination time is the information aspects, such as the concept of syntax, and the concept of grammar and its structure in the genome and in language and how this applies to the paradigm under which RNA operates, before, perhaps in anticipation of, and during mitosis. As Marshall McLuhan said, the medium, in this case, the genome, is the message, and that defines the role of RNA," Professor Wellman looked to each of the faces in the lecture hall, and in seeing the most were actively engaged, suddenly and without warning, closed his laptop.


"That's it ladies and gentlemen. Have a great holiday. A reminder that exams are quickly approaching and that we'll be exploring the fascinating mystery of grammar and information in context within the genome in the next lecture. Happy whatever tickles your fancy during holiday season," Professor Wellman cleared the LED blackboard and began packing up as the students in the lecture hall finished with their notes and then did much the same.


 Alicia watched as the Professor went around to some of the other students, speaking with them at length, hoping that he'd come over to her space and share some of his insights with her observations, but that didn't happen. Instead, he just left with his laptop bag and a file folder containing all of his printed notes in his hand. He looked around the lecture hall one last time, ignoring her as if she simply didn't exist.


"Alicia Westin's future in science... Its an omen..." Alicia said to herself, more joking than manifesting however for even she knew the power and influence of being unable to distinguish between attitude and what she called fantatude: the ability of one to fantasize their own future, most often for bemusement or jest.


Once she'd finished her lecture notes, she folded her laptop closed and began gathering her things and packing them into her carrying case and purse. She then left the lecture hall and ventured out to the student parking, and got into her compact budget car just as her cellular phone rang.


She looked at the screen, examining the caller ID information and when she saw the name, she switched off her car and answered.


"Hi Mom!" she said happily, reclining her seat a bit to relax.


"Hi Alicia! So glad I was able to get a hold of you..." Theresa replied to Alicia.


"Are you alright? How's Dad?" Alicia confirmed first before anything.


"Your Dad? Oh, he's just... fine. In fact, he's so fine that he just came back to the hotel room from a paragliding adventure with two other couples, one in their thirties, and another in their forties like us," Theresa explained to Alicia.


"Are you still in Thailand?" asked Alicia.


"No, we're in Bali. Indonesia, at an awesome resort, though your father and I are still bickering over what we liked better. I loved the Octagon Bar on the Mercury Ville in Thailand, while your father has gone complete midlife crisis and is reliving his twenties in Indonesia, scuba diving and parasailing and dragging me along for the ride," Theresa's laughter could be heard through the line.


"I take that Dad has stuck to the diet you designed for him?" asked Alicia of her mother.


"It took a while, but once we were out and about together, he really became motivated by his progress, while I just loved the movement and the scenery and that vigorous feeling of being. Speaking of, remember when we had that talk?" Theresa asked Alicia.


"How could I forget? That has been my alma mater ever since. I mean, since the graduation and Helayne's dress," Alicia smiled as she recalled a memory that had been part of her life for nearly five years.


"Well your father. It somehow clicked through that thick-headed skull of his and he's now living like a buff, balding, midlife crisis husband of my dreams. I've never been healthier, and we're really enjoying life, but mostly because we know that our only daughter, one who struggled through some of the most difficult life issues has somehow blossomed into this wonderful flower of inspiration. We just called to let you know that we're both very proud of you. Your life could have turned out so different, and yet you somehow got yourself onto a course that fit, and one that is quite inspiring. Our lives are enriched because of you, though make no mistake my wonderful daughter. If you were somehow destitute and struggling, we'd still be proud of you and living life to our fullest. Do you get the lesson that we're trying to impress upon you?" asked Theresa, very obviously and humourously a few deep into drink.


"Yes Mom. Its eleven o'clock in the morning here, and midnight in Bali, and you're both lovingly drunk and wanting to share your good feelings with your daughter. Mom, I hope to be in that very situation some day, speaking to my daughter from some part of the Pacific, while they struggle their way through school. By then, I suspect that we'll be talking to each other via holograms or telepresence that is indistinguishable from reality. I'm thankful that we're still just at the audio stage of our communications renaissance, because I don't think I could handle seeing a buff you and dad. But knowing you are both healthy and happy is the best news a Doctorate candidate could readily receive. Keep on having the time of  your life.  You deserve it," Alicia smiled as she responded through the phone.


"Keep studying and keep that attitude Alicia. We'll see you when we get back. I think its our turn to visit you?" Theresa responded.


"No Mom. Let me come home again during the spring equinox and I'll cook dinner for you. And the bring the drinks too. My place is way too small for a family gathering, and honestly, I so miss visiting you on Lisburnalie Crescent. Is the raspberry patch still there?" asked Alicia.


"And the rhubarb too. We'll be looking forward to it. You say hi to Zheng and Neil for us," Theresa suddenly giggled as Jack sat beside her and began tickling her, grabbing the phone from her when at the most opportune moment.


"Hi honey! We'll see you soon. I've got to commandeer your mother and get her out onto the dance floor. Love you!" Jack's voice blared through her phone.


"I love both of you too. Call soon. See you soon," Alicia smiled and hung up.


When she did hang-up, she laughed joyously for a few minutes, knowing her parents were so enjoying themselves. In fact, it was just like Professor Wellman had said. The RNA wasn't merely a copier of data between the two ends of a facsimile, but rather a contextual messenger, and the message in this case was one of family joy and fulfillment.


To be continued soon... December 23, 2025


The next episode: The Butterfly Dragon Reimagined: Heroes of our Own Reimagined: Episode 7 - Fashion and Accessory



I am Brian Joseph Johns and this is Shhhh! Digital Media at https://www.shhhhdigital.com or https://www.shhhhdigital.ca in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at 200 Sherbourne Street Suite 701.

Credits and attribution:


Special Thanks To Rocket Fuel Lakeshore Blvd West, perhaps the best place in history to get a coffee, circa 2001-2004. Miss you all very much.

Special Thanks to the other VLC on Lucy Avenue, and the Lightwave3D community, who put up with my at my worst. To Dylan M., Lillian F., Frank A., to Janice L. and to Helen Yi C. Few people could have such an incredible impact upon a person's life, and this storyline might not have existed without them.

Special Thanks to my friend Stephen S., who recommended the book Grammatical Man by Jeremy Campbell forty one years ago, when I was seventeen years old. I read it front to back several times, and like James Gleick's Chaos: Making a New Science and Carl Sagan's Cosmos, it shaped the very fabric of my life and understanding of the cosmos.


Thank you to University of Waterloo, who in my life have had an enormous impact through the graduates I've met and whose lives have become a part of my own, inspiring the character of Alicia Westin.


Thank you to the Perimeter Institute since their emergence, who have since the 1990s have had an enormous inspiration on my writing through the Murray-Gellman Institute/Santa Fe Institute and other avenues in the sciences.


Artwork: Amy WongWendy PuseyGhastlyBirdman, Brian Joseph Johns, Daz3DUnreal Engine...


Tools: Daz3DCorel PainterAdobe PhotoshopLightwave 3DBlender, Stable Diffusion (Easy Diffusion distribution), InstantIDSadtalkerGoogle ColaboratoryMicrosoft Copilot (Windows 11), HitfilmPhotoPea (a great web based Photoshop stand-in if you're on a low budget or in a pinch), Borderline Obsession...


DeepSeek AI for suggestions on exercises to improve aspects of describing scene and settings with a more sensory focused grammar. In this particular episode, both DeepSeek and Google Gemini contributed significant insights to some of the theoretical scientific aspects I was trying to distinguish in the sciences.


InstantID by: Wang, Qixun and Bai, Xu and Wang, Haofan and Qin, Zekui and Chen, Anthony. Research Paper Title: InstantID - Zero-shot Identity-Preserving Generation in Seconds.


Sadtalker by: Zhang, Wenxuan and Cun, Xiaodong and Wang, Xuan and Zhang, Yong and Shen, Xi and Guo, Yu and Shan, Ying and Wang, Fei.
Research Paper Title: SadTalker: Learning Realistic 3D Motion Coefficients for Stylized Audio-Driven Single Image Talking Face Animation.


Gratitude: Our Mentors, Senseis, Sifus, Sebomnims, lifetime inspirations, family, friends, the Nomads (ask Stanton about that one), the Music, the Movies, the Theatre, the Arts, ASMR, (both YouTube and Bilibili and the many other creators on those platforms), the Gaming and Developer communities and of course, the audience.


Martial Arts (in the words of real experts and at least one comedian): https://brucelee.com (home of the real Dragon and an entire family of inspirations), http://iwco.online International Wing Chun Organization (International presence of a very scalable intensity martial art, protected and developed by Shaolin Nun Ng Mui) and the alma mater of Jinn Hua's own specialized variation thereof, https://iogkf.com International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karatedo Federation (even Hanshi had his teachers), https://itftkd.sport International Taekwondo Federation (Here there be Taegers), https://tangsoodoworld.com Tang Soo Do World (the path of Grandmaster Chuck Norris), https://www.aikido-international.org International Aikido Federation (how else would Navy Chef Steven Seagal liberate a Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier from a team of hijackers?), https://www.stqitoronto.com Shaolin Temple Quanfa Institute (The City Of Toronto's own Shaolin Temple), https://www.enterthedojoshow.com Master Ken's Ameri-Te-Do presence (If we can't laugh at ourselves, then we can at least laugh the loudest at others, and other Zen)


Magic (performance, illusion and perhaps the real thing): Magic Week Archive (I'm currently growing this section so stay tuned)


Special thanks to AitrepreneurMickmumpitzHugging Face and the YouTube educational content producers, including those catering to the AI content production pipeline and of course AlphaSignal.


Shi Heng Yi Shaolin Training For Self Mastery 
A reknowned Sifu under whose tutelage you can study the theory and practical applications of the Shaolin Arts for health, physical and mental wellbeing in every day life


Shi Heng Yi Shaolin Training For Self Mastery 
A reknowned Sifu under whose tutelage you can study the theory and practical applications of the Shaolin Arts for health, physical and mental wellbeing in every day life


Jesse Enkamp: Karate Nerd
Jesse, a reknowned Sensei who runs his own dojo, explores the world of Martial Arts, traveling to many exotic locations to meet practitioners of a variety of different arts


Sensei Rokas: Martial Arts Journey
A reknowned Sensei of Aikido who in seeking to understand the roots of Aikido and its applications, seeks to stress test its effectiveness in a number of real world situations while studying its history


Seamus O'Dowd
An extensive growing archive Katas, Techniques and Waza (mostly Shotokan)


Iaido: Train For Katana Mastery Like Samurai 
The original weapons focused curriculum under which Samurai became masters of their art



Extensive courses for calisthenics and body strength, stamina and flexibility


Special thanks to Canva for inspiring other creators and giving them the tools


Special thanks to Captain Crunch and his wonderful sister!


Special thanks to Bandcamp for giving indie music artists a home under one roof


Something to give you perspective: The very first teacher had no formal education, didn't graduate and was self taught, but only because they had no other choice. We do.

This content is entirely produced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at 200 Sherbourne Street Suite 701 under the Shhhh! Digital Media banner.

Copyright © 2025 Brian Joseph Johns