Home > readme

par-the-no-gen-e-sis (pär'the nõ jen'e sis) n. 1. reproduction from an unfertilized ovum, seed, or spore. 2. a little-known zine, published intermittently.

Another, simpler, way to define Parthenogenesis is 'reproduction without sexual union'. That, in its base form, is what this zine is about. What is thought? A thought is an intangible something, born from the mind of a sentient being. But it's not truly 'born', is it? It comes into existence somehow, through a process we can only guess at. And one thought, as we all know, leads to others -- as if giving birth to these others, as well. Notwithstanding the enormous amount of sexual coupling that does take place in the average human's thoughts, thought itself is a process of parthenogenesis. To communicate these thoughts, one might use speech, mannerisms, or writing. I choose writing, hence the zine. Parthenogenesis was first distributed in paper form, 100 copies, throughout its home town of Fort Collins, Colorado -- and it was produced on a photocopier, through yet another process of parthenogenesis. Now, it's published on the net, in ezine format, sent and re-sent -- reproduced -- with the click of a button. Perfect parthenogenesis, the original seed of thought reproduced on a scale unconceived-of by most turnip greens.

Actually, we don't really take ourselves that seriously. Parthenogenesis was just a cool name that I overheard in a coffee shop once.

Nevertheless, here we are. Or rather, were. It's been, I'm ashamed to admit, quite a while since I've put out an issue of Parthenogenesis. So long, in fact, that I've reluctantly begun admitting that the zine is defunct, at least in the ezine format. It's quite possible I may pick up the habit of writing again, just as it's possible that my research in genetics will help me to pinpoint the so-called 'procrastination gene', which I'm led to believe is somehow intertwined with the apathy, working-for-a-living, and distraction genes.

Here are the issues of Parthenogenesis I have converted to web format. (Basic, very boring html -- indeed, one of my very first html projects. I'm far too lazy to redo them into something nicer.) Note that sincere begging and possibly cash donation can get you an original paper copy of any of these issues, which look a lot nicer and have actual pictures.

• Issue 1
• Issue 2
• Issue 3
• Issue 4
• Issue 5
• Issue 6

BEFORE YOU E-MAIL ME: If you're doing serious research about the scientific phenomenon of parthenogenesis, DON'T bother contacting me. I don't know how to help you! Sorry!

For everyone else: Sorry about that brief interlude, there. It seems pretty self-evident to me that the material in these pages has nothing to do with scientific study, but I guess that just goes to show you: Students tend to be, as a class, more obtuse, ignorant, and uninformed than many facets of the general public. If you're a student and that offends you, just consider yourself an exception to the general rule. (I'm a student, in case you're wondering.)

Love, .