Mobile Kodgers

THE FACE OF EVIL

2012-01-30T15:38:00.001-07:00

EVIL IS A FORCE FOR HARMFUL EFFECTS---IT LIVES BEHIND A FACE--INSIDE A HEAD---IT IS AN IDEA---A VALUE---AN ATTITUDE. It comes in three forms that I can think of: ECONOMIC---RELIGIOUS---IDEOLOGICAL. Today I'm going after Economic evil. I can only show you the face where it resides---AND I WILL!
This day I have thought of a question so carefully constructed that it will OUT (reveal, disclose, make known) an economically evil idea and attitude. I will go find an investment banker and ask the question. If the answer is yes---I will have outed an evil idea.
I wangled my way into the office of an investment banker and after establishing some rapport I asked the question.

Here he is in the very act of answering the question. (I have distorted the image slightly out of consideration for him) He answered the question with a resounding YES.

HERE IS THE QUESTION: Feel free to try it on your banker.: IF YOU COULD BROKER A DEAL TODAY THAT WOULD RESULT IN A BILLION DOLLAR PAYOFF FOR YOURSELF---WOULD YOU FEEL OK ABOUT IT?

HE SAID "YES"---and added: "that's capitalism---profit--is the American way---it is honorable."

"but this much profit?" I said---"for a simple days work". "Yes," he said again, "Brokered payoffs are called transactional wealth----and transactions have made America the financial juggernaut that it is."

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Oh sweet readers--I think I have taken you with me into the den of devils. This man does not know that VAST OVERCOMPENSATION FOR THE FEW DIMINISHES THE REST OF US---DISTORTS THE ECONOMY--- THAT UNBOUNDED GREED IS IMPOVERISHING THE MASSES. THAT NAKED CAPITALISM SORELY NEEDS TO BE CREATIVELY TWEAKED. (Not dismissed--understand---just tweaked) What it needs is 1. OVERSIGHT 2. CAREFULLY MODERATED TAXATION 3. WEALTH RECYCLING WHEN THE SUPER WEALTHY DIE (i.e. Death taxes---again---carefully moderated) (Wealth is earned in a context--the wealthy owe something to the context)

MOST UNLIKELY TO SUCCEED

2012-01-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

HE WAS A MISFIT IN HIGH SCHOOL---He looked wierd---and he stuttered---was teased---was the brunt of jokes--was not intellectually gifted. (how do I know this? By an incredible stroke of luck, I was able to interview a classmate---and friend) So off he went into the world---short of all the qualities we think desirable. AAAh but he had three hidden qualities that guided his life to what I consider a spectacular success: 1. He knew what he wanted---a life of leisure, freedom and mobility. 2. He developed an iron WILL to press toward his goal. 3. He conceived a PLAN to get him there.

Meet Jeff----a spectacular success in my opinion---He no longer stutters---carries himself with pride--Is well aware that--like the tortoise---he has won the race with slow and steady steps. Long ago he won his liberty, leisure, financial security and mobility----YET HE HAS NEVER EARNED MORE THAN A COMMON LABORER'S WAGES---- working only seasonally for State or National parks---and then only half a year---after which he collected unemployment for a half year before returning to work. HIS BIG SECRET STRATEGY WAS NEVER TO PAY RENT OR A MORTGAGE.

For 23 years he has lived in this trailer----always rent-free in the parks or nearby. He says he saved almost everything he earned---and the money piled up---till now he has enough to coast out the remainder of his life. His monthly living expenses, he says, are about $200 a month. Traveling only about 2000 miles a year, he moves from low-warm areas to high cool ones---"hanging out" much of the season at Lake Havasu, Az to wind surf. I met him in Yuma, AZ.

Note this posture---I immediately flashed on that classic picture of an Australian Aboriginal, totally relaxed, standing on one foot, exuding the quiet pride and satisfaction of being stress free---at home in his universe. You are looking at a man who has found his groove. I'm humbled.

And so is his high school friend Tim---who gave me the early years story.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: What Jeff has in common with the Aboriginal is EFFORTLESS LIVING. Both look with disdain at the mass of humanity---tripped up by its own traps---seeking to solve " the problem of a livlihood by a formula more complicated than the problem itself." (Thoreau)

Tim--no doubt--as awed as I am of Jeff's effortless living style--comes to camp with his friend
on occasion.

MAN WHO LIVES IN A HOUSE OF STICKS

2012-01-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

FOUND: MEANING AND DIGNITY IN THE HINTERLANDS. My readers have (properly)chastened and hopefully sensitized me a bit regarding the eccentric folks I encounter. I shall now ask how I would feel if my own story were told by someone in the harshest spin----and would I be willing to show my interviewees the story I had written about them? So here I go---with a new resolve:

Deeper into the bushes near Yuma, Az--than I have gone before---following this track---I am prepared--with camera and a gift.

Bingo---someone lives here. I shout out a hello.

Out comes "Mike" ---the builder of a real-life house of sticks---(you too, might have reflected: Just like the second little piggy in the fairytale)

I give him my gift and admire his handiwork. He shows me the inner structure--bedroom--cooking area etc. but asked that I not show it.

There it is---dear readers---a house of sticks. Can you guess why he has piled branches in this manner? To camouflage it of course from casual observers. From a hundred yards ---it disappears --despite being built on a slight hill. Of course I want to ask: Why--and eventually I do.

His answer touched and amazed me: He did it 2 years ago FOR HIS 2 CATS. He was living in the Mission, somehow caring for them on the outside---when one day (he says) one of his cats SPOKE to him telepathically---but in clear english--saying: "PLEASE TAKE US AWAY FROM HERE!" He then searched---found this spot and began to build. But coyotes kept trying to get his cats--creeping close in the nights. So he constructed this escape trough so they can scamper to safety.

From the house area, they run down this protective tunnel

down this hole

Down that plank into the safety of this cage.

I engage mike at some length and learn a lot---about mission life---living in the bushes like this---LEGALLY. Turns out for $65 a year the Quechan Indian tribe will sell you a permit to live on their land---however you wish to live. Another surprising revelation was that his family comes to visit him here on some occasions.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I'm delighted there is still room in the world for mavericks. I wish conventional governments would allow off the grid--in the bushes living. He does no harm and cost us little. More significantly--to me--HERE IN A MOST UNLIKELY SPOT---MIKE IS GENERATING MEANING. His head is on fire with purpose--he's interested--he has projects going.

He has enemies---coyotes to defend against. Most importantly he has sentient beings to care for and who care for him--He has someone to love. I have engaged hundreds of loners and invariably, those with pets seem more approachable------and happier.

COME WALK WITH ME---LET'S SEE WHAT WE SEE

2012-01-13T22:39:00.001-07:00

SLABS SHORT STORIES PART 2---I TAKE YOU WITH ME ON A MORNING STROLL.

75 yr old water tank--100 ft in diameter--17 ft tall--2 of them served Camp

Dunlap--this now abandoned Marine base. Stay with me---I will have a surprise for you.

Perfect space for the graffiti artist. Shall we go closer?

See what he has on his mind? A protest against corporate evil---He names the bad guys!

And--- he's also mad about: Military waste---the horrors of war.

But here's the surprise: In 70 plus years, no one had been IN these tanks---What's in there? We wondered---AND THEN---AND THEN---My friends and I........

http://lifeontheopenroad.blogspot.com/2008/12/you-want-to-go-where-and-do-what.html

click here for the full story. (courtesy my ex who filmed the adventure)

Only one man here has a reserved parking spot. He's 80 plus and more vigorus than any of us youngsters ---- His people (the LOW's---Loners on Wheels) honor him in this fashion.

Continuing my walk by this camp---probably a full time Slab dweller. The fence blocks harsh summer windstorms from the West and furnishes shade from the afternoon sun.

Ah--this interested me when I heard about it. A subterranean dwelling---now collapsed --- another effort to beat the fierce summer heat---117 degrees regularly. I walk on---

My timing is great here---This unimaginative squatter/builder was just exiting his Box? (Yeah--he lives in that box)--to throw his trash into the nearby bushes. Where are the windows, I wondered.

I walk past the Library--- now languishing---but once thriving---it's keeper is losing interest after 12 years of attending it.

A sign of the times---internet cafe---that's new.

Note that line of stones---clear proof of Desmond Morris's (author--the Naked Ape?) theory that 5 things characterize human behavior everywhere: 1. Territoriality 2. Tribalism 3. Heirarchy 4. Gender specific division of labor 5. Weapons--and war

I think he could have added---ARTISTIC EXPRESSION.

Here's a guy very serious about power. See all those solar panels? That's enough electricity to run a fully electric household. Note also the wind turbines---their big advantage is that they can generate power at night (if the wind is blowing) ( they cost about $500 each and when active do the work of two of those panels)

Completing my walk--I cross paths with two friends on an interesting quest---using a high-tech treasure finder to locate a watch--buried somewhere here 25 years ago. They reported later that they failed.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Walking anywhere with senses alert is interesting. Walking the Slabs is mesmerizing.

SLABS SHORT STORIES

2012-01-12T19:15:00.002-07:00

Before I leave the Slabs for good--I Share with you a potpourri of mini Dramas I witnessed.

An elderly gentleman Lee Horning-- skilled at carving but suffering from Carpel Tunnel syndrome, put forth heroic effort to create one last work of art---- then gave it away to be raffled off by the LOW (Loners on Wheels) organization to raise money for a needy family of 7. Seemingly, the entire Slabs community bought chances for it. Many hundreds of dollars were raised and the money purchased 14 pair of good shoes---36 pair of socks and 14 school shirts for the kids.

One of our "neighbors" got mad and set this small trailer on fire.

Though he didn't call for it---the fire truck hurried in from Niland, Ca and put it out.

The fire setter unflinchingly took responsibility and was unapologetic---yelling at the firemen---"It's my trailer---I can burn it up if I want to."

Next day he's scraping away any inconvenient ash.

The incident gave me the opportunity to chat briefly with Vince----the now-famous father of those children receiving the shoes. Two days after this meeting--he was featured on CBS nightly news as a dramatic example of a middle class family man losing his job and house---forced to retreat to this free campground.

This tiny drama touched me----a devoted believer---wishing to tell the world that he loves Jesus--lives in that tiny tent and arranges somehow to light up that cross at night. (battery power I presume)

This busy lady paints her pictures on whatever scraps of material she can scavenge---they sell for 3 to 5 dollars. Do you weep with me? I can't exactly say why---but I do. So many people give their heroic best to receive so little reward. You are looking at a 99 % er.

This is sad too---but somehow--less so that the artist lady---These kids told me they had formed their own church.. They were enthusiastic and hopeful. Born in an earlier time they might have gone on the children's crusade.

The famous RANGE night club---featured in the movie INTO THE WILD-----all solar powered---free to all comers---the vision and gift of an interesting Slab citizen called Builder Bill.

Here's where you sit to enjoy the performances.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I Noticed these little dramas as I walked around. I intend to NOTICE my way to------(enlightenment? maturity? A fuller humanity? ) A tiny thing to do----to notice---yet it is a real experience---as opposed to a thought. I think a few hundred "notices" a day keeps my brain alive.

I hope to report more mini-dramas tomorrow--to finish up with the Slabs.

INVENTING A NEW TRAVEL STYLE--PART III

2012-01-06T21:00:00.001-07:00

HOW TO ENGAGE----TO MATTER----TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
1. Become an audience;
2. Throw a party;
3. Give something away.

This morning we're marching our way to "church"

We pause briefly at the entrance to LOW road --showing signs to various organizations----LOW's (Loners on Wheels) ----Karma Kitchen and down at the bottom--(tiny red and black checkerboard thing) Our sign WINs (Wandering Individuals Network) The second lady in line is the Famous "Trish" Who leads caravans to wild and wonderful places--Alaska sometimes. She is worth a separate entry.

But I digress---We're on our way here. My Co-host Joanne has arranged a group interview of the Pastor about life at the Slabs.

And here we are---It was a Wowser. From a summer low population of about 50 to a winter high of about 500. Most surprising revelation: He speculates that many come here to die--older--broken--men mostly who just want to die anonymously and fade from sight (on the county's nickle)--not wishing to trouble their kids or relatives.

He introduces Dave---His assistant---and a Bible Scholar. Don't be misled by his appearance--he carries himself with dignity---speaks intelligently. The interview went so well that Joann declared on the spot that we would throw a party for all our new friends. The date was set.

Oh how I love to crank things up----so when I heard about a diminutive, mysterious, individual living in the bushes with a friendly mule, I resolved to find and invite them. Maybe they will come to the party. I find the place easily and approach warily.

And surprisingly---am received warmly--invited to photograph. It is a tiny girl/woman?--who tells me she has lived at the Slabs for years---then drove to Montana in search of a small Mule/companion/pet.

She lets me pet APPLEJACK. I introduce myself. She tells me she is known as "LITTLEBIT" or HALFPINT . I tell her about our party and ask if she will make a surprise entrance to thrill everyone.

She says "OK".

The group bicycles around this unique square mile looking for other interesting folks to invite.

The Day of the party. We prepare a pot luck for our guest.

They come---and eat---and talk with us. Our guitarist entertain. We sit down to eat, I have told them to expect a special guest. They wonder who. And Then---And then---

"She" appears out of nowhere---like the hero in a western movie. She pauses for full effect----Cameras click---I grin---Perfect!

I welcome her invite her to come and dine.

And she does--Ambling through the silent awe her presence inspires --her chaps rustle with each step--spurs jangle--the hunting knife on her belt commands respect. She knows she is a quiet sensation. I sit and eat with her ---just a bit atwitter--trying not to say silly things. was surprised at her gentleness and openness.

Then I performed. Hard to resist a friendly audience. Quoted my signature poem "The Magic of Motion."

Then persuaded Lois---the preacher's wife--to sing for us--a very touching moment for us all. We learned that she has no friends in the conventional sense---her role as pastors wife isolates her. But we gave her a golden moment---with applause and request for an encore. She beamed with satisfaction and sang another----that she had written---about life at the slabs.

Then Joann sprang our big surprise for the Preacher and his wife----presenting them with a few hundred dollars worth of food we purchased for them in town. They promptly gave it away to needy families the next day. What a great afternoon!

And to make good on my promise ---here's the famous walking cane that put really good shoes on a family of seven. (good story---hope to tell it next time when I wrap up our Slabs experiment)

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Goal accomplished---We abandoned the spectator role---diving (carefully but clearly) into the lives of those around us. The experiment went eeriely well---in this most challenging environment. So satisfying--that I may just abandon bystander journalism altogether. I want to get personal with everyone in my orbit. (unless my "radar" beeps)

Already it's affected my approach to the guy living in a (literal) house of sticks. (an upcoming story)

INVENTING A NEW TRAVEL STYLE---PART II

2011-12-31T14:04:00.003-07:00

For those who've not read part one: 30 friends and I are visiting the Infamous Slabs intent on a bold experiment:

VISITING WITH VIGOR-----MAKING THINGS HAPPEN (as well as) LETTING THINGS HAPPEN----PARTICIPATING SPECTATORS.

Effie leads this morning---cross country to the Northeastern edge of this square mile where Container Charlie lived and built his quirky museum. A few months ago he dropped dead of a heart attack. We want to know what happened to his art work. His family had no interest in it we were told.

Luke (always out front) enters first.

Well this is something new---wasn't there last year---nor the "flash" car on the left.

And this is new---Charlie loved to half bury things

A mammoth made of tires---it's been tweaked a bit.

A bottle wall---that's new also. Someone, it seems has taken up the mantle of quirk and is wearing it well.

Many of you will remember this buried bus---good story of a group on a mission---that ended right here. (too long to tell)

Someone moved into it and made it livable by constructing a level floor inside.

Remember this? It's called XANADONT--a play on XANADU (Shelly poem)

Ah---we meet the new caretakers---Even a quirky museum abhors a vacuum. Meet Penny--the new, cheerful docent who welcomes us---invites us into the inner sanctum.

Where we meet the entire caretaker community. Meet "Kat" and company.

Of course you want a closer look at him---as I did. Amazingly, he was undefensive (a trait I wildly admire) about his odd tattoos

Shows off one of the t-shirts that Charlie made to generate revenue. He called his place "East Jesus".

Prepare yourself for the backside......

Now you get some sense of Charlie's ----Humor??

His kitchen---being put to good use---I presume.

When they learned that I had written Charlie's memorial poem---they offered to show us his remains.

We are led into an alter- like cove.

They honor me with a baggie inverted over my hand---allowed to dip in and get a pinch of Charlie as a keepsake. (I will do something interesting with you charlie)

Now here's the spooky part. As I left---on a whim---I turned and snapped a shot of him. Do you see what I see? That's not my reflection in the mirror----I swear to you it looks like Charlie---in the flesh.

Wait!----I'll go get a shot of him--so you can judge.

Charlie--adressing visitors 2 years ago.---See what I mean?

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Oh I'm not superstitious in the least. If there were such things as ghosts--I would make it a point to enjoy them. When I noticed this surprising image I flashed on the strange lady I photographed peering into Lido's Ballroom in Tierra Amarillo: http://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2011/08/last-dance-at-litos-ballroom.html

I think what we've learned today is that our doings---our beings---have momentum. Charlie's life and vision persist----and inspires. And yours will too---for good or ill. A Better legacy than fame or riches is to have set something in motion.

P.S. Haven't forgotten the "walking stick story"---it's up next.

INVENTING A NEW TRAVEL STYLE

2011-12-29T15:51:00.001-07:00

ENOUGH WITH BYSTANDER JOURNALISM! ENOUGH WITH "SPECTATORISM"----I WILL GO AND "DANCE" WITH THE LOCALS----I WILL GO AND "STIR" THE POT. I INVITE 30 OF MY BOLDER FRIENDS TO GO WITH ME----TO THE INFAMOUS "SLABS". People here are a mite touchy about visitors who gawk and go---so I propose we dig in for a 10 day stay---stretch our imagination for ways to get up close and personal---to engage---learn---teach--appreciate.

We each arrive separately---having discovered the many disadvantages of caravaning. Our advance man--George--has selected a suitable camping area and phoned its coordinates to us. Those not already acquainted with the slabs click here for a briefing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slab_City

A distance shot showing the barren nothingness that has become a world celebrated happening.

Early arrivers select an assembly spot and gather firewood. Behind my rig you can see rigs of another adventurous group --- the Boondockers and behind them is a mega club---the LOWs (Loners on Wheels) who camp at the Slabs all winter long.

We assemble---are entertained by two guitarist---then make plans to "get personal" with the locals.

We begin next morning with a new kind of hike--we will march in a line (greater visual effect) behind a "leader". At each stop, the leader goes to the rear and the next person becomes leader and must choose a destination for us. Sure enough---people noticed our "march" and out of curiosity (I suppose) were willing to engage us.

Leaving the famous "range" night club area---Trish leads us to our next stop.

And a great one it was---At another club called The Stage Door. (focuses on children) This pretty lady told us all about their home schooling program and assorted ongoing projects such as movie night and a documentary on homelessness being filmed by their father. Just days later her pretty face and story was featured on CBS nightly news.

Next, we are led to the Oasis club.

Where Linda invited us in for a 30 minute Q&A. The takeaway for me was that really good, warm, community can be generated anywhere and a pretty good clubhouse can be built for about $500.

The spunky lady leading this nightime adventure is Joann---my co-host. She is famous for her creative ideas. This one we called a "spooky walk sing sing"----because we boldly marched into the spooky areas with candlelight---singing christmas carols to people living in bushes and other odd places.

We returned to the Stage door and serenaded these kids--who came bounding out of the bus they are living in. Despite their circumstances, they seemed spirited and happy. They too were featured on the CBS nightly news.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Oh sweet people--I've only begun to report this saga. In part two I will report how we got seriously heart to heart with slab citizens. I will show you a remarkable walking stick that put really good shoes on all these kids.

IS THIS A LIFE WELL LIVED?

2011-12-15T15:04:00.001-07:00

I INTRODUCE TO YOU A REAL LIVE FOREST GUMP--A SIMPLE GENIUS. I've known him for 20 years and the feelings I have for him are similar to the feelings I felt for the movie character. I don't think he would be offended by the comparison. And, like Forest Gump, the effect my friend has had on the world is way, way disproportionate to his intellect. In fact it is very likely you have seen him on the silver screen in the movie INTO THE WILD--produced by Sean Penn. Royalty checks still come to him.

Meet leonard Knight---artist--Christian--a man with a message.

I took this picture one year ago.

He lives here!

He made this! It is called Salvation Mountain--located 3 miles east of Niland,Ca.in a very un-scenic desert. 27 years of labor are represented. Tour busses bring the curious to view it.

Here are the most recently used-up paint cans. An estimated 100,000 of them were used in the painted mud art work---all donated by well wishers.

And here he is a few days ago---clearly Leonard is in decline.

Here's the full story: http://www.salvationmountain.us/bio.html

His spirits rise when I sing a song to him---he joins me: "Jesus loves me---this I know---for the Bible tells me so---If I love him when I die---he will take me home on high". I have interviewed him several times over the years. Once I ask him for his religious views. He said I was the first person who had ever asked. His theology is heartrendingly simple and childlike: God loves us---wants us to repent and accept Jesus---and love each other. Little did I suspect that this very day would mark the end of his career----for in the night he was taken to the hospital---diagnosed as incapable of managing his life and will be sent to an El Cajon, Ca nursing home. Word quickly spread through the Slabs and perhaps around the world.

I seize the opportunity to quiz his caretaker Kevin Eubank MSW who protected and befriended the ailing artist these last few years. He told me that Leonard has asperger syndrome--a mild form of autism with the downside of diminished ability to read social cues (and the host of relational problems that entails) BUT with the upside of a super ability to FOCUS and PERSIST. Want to know more? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asperger_syndrome

I think you may be surprised at the famous people (allegedly) affected--for good and ill-- by it:

http://www.asperger-syndrome.me.uk/people.htm

Leonard came to this spot 27 years ago bringing a giant home-made hot air balloon that he tediously pieced together from scraps-- thinking the desert environment would make inflating it easier--it didn't and eventually that years-long project was abandoned. He lingered awhile-- long enough to generate another vision---paint his message---GOD IS LOVE-- on the nearby hill---and then plunged headlong into the task FOR THE NEXT 26 YEARS.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:----Is this a life well spent? ---He seemed happy-- told me he was excited each day to work on the mountain----delighted by everyone's support: (people donated equipment, vehicles, paint)--- (the nearby restaurant gave him free meals) ---But he lived a lifetime without intimate friends---or lovers--pushed them away, Kevin said. I find it interesting that larger minds--(-like Kevins'--- as well as writers, photographers) centered on him--gathered around him at various times for inspiration---just as they did around Forest Gump. Perhaps we are drawn to people not afraid to commit---to something--anything---people who by genetic defect are not troubled by the anxiety of meaninglessness. We complicated, confused personalities (most of us) might sometimes envy those simple spirits who dive boldly into---anything. They at least have the courage to dive. I may well have dabbled my life away as a dilettante. I've been discussing the title question for a week now with my friends--I have answered no--- that life is a smorgasbord of infinite dishes and that Leonard stopped--tragically-- at the bread. But in the end, they persuaded me that the answer is yes--by my own criterion of a good life: RESPONDING TO ONES FASCINATIONS-----WAKING UP ONES CREATIVITY-----SHARING ONES ADVENTURE. Leonard did these three things and his brain seemingly glowed for a lifetime AND INCIDENTALLY , THE WORLD BEAT A PATH TO HIS DOOR.

UPDATE ON THE HUMAN TROLL

2011-12-08T15:18:00.000-07:00

IF YOU DOUBT THAT HUMAN TROLLS EXIST-----check out this blog from last year: http://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2011/02/bates-motel-human-troll.html

I find myself in the same area and would like an update. Here was a gentleman with a limited income but who wished to stay forever drunk. And so he found this free place to live so that his income of $600 a month could be devoted to his passion. Apparently a person can stay inebriated and even eat on $20 a day.

My readers may remember that I was probing about in this old abandoned Motel near the Salton Sea when I met him---bellowing out at me from one of the dark rooms. My companion managed to soothe him and a good interview followed. This day, the Motel seems unchanged--strewn with trash.

The gentleman is nowhere to be seen---but it appears he stills dens here.

Two couches have been added to the kitchen area.

And a couch graces his summer sleeping area. (It's about 118 degrees here most summer days) I have a suspicion where he may be---about a half mile away--I will go look for him.

Here is where I surmise he would hang out. Wait---is that him I see there playing cards?

Yes it is----I Meet Mark again---he doesn't remember me till I mention my lady companion--then he brightens up. What I really want to see is how staying drunk 365 days a year is affecting him.

To my amazement---he is doing fine---and as if to punctuate that conclusion, this lovely lady comes over to share the photograph. I chat awhile to detect if he is again drunk----and yes he is.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: If anything, he seems more alive and alert than last year. Maybe a person can stay drunk for years---with that as the only focus of their lives. I see that he has at least 3 friends---two of them were drunk also. They invited me to join their poker game. I speculate on his likely fate----screaming into the night--with the DT's ---and no one to hear---and to be found dead in his "motel room". That is what happened to "Shorty" my childhood friend---we found him in his abandoned school bus/den in my hometown.

crash

2011-11-28T17:09:00.002-07:00

DEALING WITH DAMAGE AND DISRUPTION

Parked (free)in the Paradise Casino parking lot---Yuma, Az.--Hardly a care in the world--Living the good life.

Glancing to my left, I see the world famous Yuma Crossing---high bluffs of granite on opposite sides of the Colorado river--the perfect place for bridges--railroad and auto---built there in 1930.

And glancing just left to see the guard tower for the Yuma territorial prison. (remember the movie: "3:10 to Yuma)

My mornings are filled with beauty as balloons drift over my rig.

AND THEN---AND THEN---That very night a drunk smashes into my truck.

Two doors and this bed damage.

The cops come---test him with a field sobriety test---handcuff him and take him to jail.

I'm able to get "home" but barely able to drive around. Next day I get an estimate: $4,866.00.

While I'm waiting, I read this magazine and learn that automobile crashes, insurance, fault-finding, and repair shops, police reports are a vast web of money-making enterprises---with policy buyers footing the needlessly high bill. I also learned that I'm not likely to be reimbursed for my damages. And that begins to upset me and mobilize my thoughts.

My friends are waiting for me in Borrego Springs, Ca--for our annual Thanksgiving gathering. Quickly, I gather facts---learn about the wrecking business and the nationwide linkup for used parts---order two doors (my truck is the 3 door model) for $500.00 and go looking for a reliable body shop. 5 shops later, I found my guy. 2 shops refused the job--at any price--replacing doors is highly tedious--I learned. This one said yes when I sweetened the offer. It took most of the day to accomplish this much. I hung around out of curiosity.

And then things got very difficult--trying to fit the auxillary door into a damaged post.---THEN I saw why other shops refused the job. They gave up for the night---tuesday night---the clock is ticking--my friends are 152 miles away. In the night--believe it or not---I saw in my mind how to fit the door in place---I called the guy--Jacob Garcia--and told him---he said ok---and guess what--It worked---the door fit and the truck was drivable by Wed night. (not painted or undented--but drivable---good enough to travel)

I was proud of my unconventional idea and surprised that the expert was open minded enough try it. He bit off a very difficult job for not a lot of money---I recommend him. (G-Styles Auto Body and Welding 928-726-6889----2766 Ave 3E---Yuma, Az, 85365)

I MADE IT--- by the hair of my chin chin chin---10 minutes before dinner was served.

My friends heard of my difficulties and saved a choice seat for me. Our group ( www.rvsingles.org ) gathers at this spot every year for a week of desert adventure.

This little triangle of land is famous in RVin circles---It is called PEG LEG SMITH'S in honor of an old prospector in this region. One may camp free here indefinitely and many do. Orange groves green the environment to the right and the resort town of Anza Borrego, Ca lies against the distant mountains---2,500 desert loving citizens---completely surrounded by California's largest park.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I give myself decent marks for dealing rationally with this unpleasant episode. I noted how vulnerable my whole lifestyle is---a simple crash could clip my high flying wings for some time as I carry most all my possessions with me.(yes my trailer was attached--but not damaged) More importantly, I noticed my runaway feelings---I felt powerless in the face of an injustice (the drunk lied about the accident---it may go down as a "he said/he said" in the report and I may have to fix my vehicle.) A sad, numbing, depression settled on me for a few hours. My mind replayed the facts over and over. By morning, my WATCHER had kicked in:

"I am not contained between my hat and boots----apart from the pulling and hauling stands what I am----stands amused, complacent, compassionating, idle, unitary---looks down with sidecurved head---curious what will come next---both in and out of the game---watching and wondering at it---I WITNESS---AND WAIT---(Whitman---Song of myself)

And I saw that it wasn't that big of a deal---a few thousand dollars at worst. All over the world countless millions suffer real and enduring injustice. And No doubt I have imposed much wrong on others. It's part of the cosmic drama. So--slowly I came to acceptance--got cracking--gathering info--locating doors--ordering them, finding a body shop, etc. In less than a week my joy returned -- I'm mobile again--and willing for the matter to take whatever course it takes.

WANT YOUR TEETH BACK??---FIND A SUPER DENTIST---LIKE THIS ONE!

2011-11-14T17:16:00.001-07:00

THIS IS ME---BENEATH MY SKIN (an MRI)---and it must be obvious I've had extensive dental work. I've decided that I want ALL MY TEETH BACK---not partials and bridges--but individually anchored teeth---a mouth full of them---solid and beautiful---AND I'M GOING TO HAVE IT---thanks to a super dentist utilizing a wonderful new technique for growing bone.

Look closely at this side view---can you see that titanium implant? It was placed there Sat the 12th of November--two days ago. Note the precision of its placement with computer assisted horizonal and vertical axes. It is implanted in solid bone which grew there in the past few months. In about 4 months it will firmly integrate itself and serve as the "root" of a lovely new tooth.

See how it distracts from my otherwise charming smile. I lost it due to an accident.

The problem---as seen on x-ray before the implant proceedure. I appreciate the high-tech gadgetry that lets me see what's going on.

Meet Dr Carlos Rubio---a super dentist.

And two members of his team who will assist.

But first I am sent to this team member---an MRI specialist---He provided the images posted above.

Dr Rubio studied those images to certify bone density and thickness and to pinpoint drill position and angle.

And an impression specialist does his work.

Then on Saturday--all is prepared for the doctor. An assistant suits him up. I noted the drama as he entered the room---He commands the respect of a general---and it does not seem to be fear based. They know that he has risen from the ranks of ordinary dentist by his learning, expertise, vision and leadership.

He began in a tiny one man cubby hole--doing such excellent work that word spread and he soon needed more space and personnel. In 15 years he has assembled what amounts to a dental empire--with several buildings---a staff of at least 20---and a coterie of specialty dentist---oral surgeons--orthodontist, root canal etc. He focuses on implants.

The operation is over---I felt no pain---Dr Rubio shares the glory with his assistant.

It feels very good to have a dentist you can trust. He guarantees all work done in his offices for 3 years.

He took the time afterwards to give me a power point presentation of the new discovery that will give me all my teeth back. Can you see the writing on this document: ADVANCED BONE GRAFTING. Here in essence is the new discovery/technique: No longer must bone be "harvested" from the patient. Instead, a specially prepared cow bone aggregate is positioned into place with temporary screws and a membrane that covers the area to prevent contamination. BINGO---in 4 months or so your bone embraces, infuses, integrates with the cow bone claiming it as its own---AND NOW YOU HAVE SUPPORT FOR IMPLANTS. I begin the process after Thanksgiving----Should be ready for implants by April---and I'll get my new teeth by autum. I'll also get the missing tooth noted above this april.

Some months of every year is given to advanced studies in dentistry. His walls are covered with such as this.

The waiting room of his main office.

The reception desk. Yes--they all speak English. Dr Rubio is very fluent in English.

He has an assistant show me around. This is his seminar room where he instructs staff and other dentist in the latest techniques.

Rubio's main office. www.drrubio.com.mx or specialist@drrubio.com.mx phone 928-255-0897

There are at least a hundred dentist in Algodones, Mexico--(just across the border from Yuma, Az)-here is a string of them---I do not demean any of them.. Many are cheaper than Rubio and easier to see. I will wait my turn and pay the few extra dollars because he's earned my trust. (Rubio estimates that he is 40% cheaper than American Dentists)

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I've known Dr. Rubio for about 17 years----watched him rise from cubby hole to Kingpin. I feel I have participated in his success by recommending him so often. I write this because I admire excellence----and vision and effective organization. Also to acquaint my readers who may not know----of the savings possible in Mexico. For the easy stuff, I'm sure many Algodones Dentists are competent---and many of my friends have ones they like.

The new bone graft breakthrough can make a huge difference in the quality of life.

Finally, It has crossed my mind to write the President of Mexico---calling attention---to the genius of Dr. Rubio--suggesting that he draft his visionary skills in the service of dental health for the whole nation. I think he could do it.

TROUBLED MAN INVENTS HIS OWN THERAPY--- WILDERNESS SOLITUDE

2011-11-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

I'm camped at a remote picnic area south of Phoenix.

I notice a guy apparantly living in one of the shelters.

Meet Lee, a refugee from Missouri

I engage --get to know him a bit---walk with him a few times and invite him to my trailer.

He's amazingly open as I go for the gold (a meaningful insight)

He calls himself social misfit ---though he managed to serve in the navy and afterwards work for years in electronics. He saved a stash of money and then, inexplicably retreated to a dark room in a small town and for years----just let life drift by----An extreme example of the "quiet desperation" described by Thoreau. Then one day he mustered the courage to go camping and eventually to leave his dark room altogether for the open road----making his way to Arizona. His self-described problem is anger---a huge and fierce ---near uncontrollable anger arising from an abused childhood. (I evoked a few stories and revenge fantasies to get a feel for the depth of his anger) Wow! I was frightened just listening. He understands that his fierceness frightens others away---leaving him alone---and lonely. He has pondered how to "fix" himself and find peace-----and he thinks he knows how: He is morphing into a wandering loner losing himself in the Arizona wilderness---drifting from summer high country to winter warm lowlands-----simplifying radically---getting rid of his car---walking everywhere----pulling a specially designed---lightweight cart with his supplies.

I showed him my most treasured book----Walden Pond ---reading the paragraph beginning: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."----showing him he was in good company. I also told him about the Slabs---a place where even mavericks can live comfortably. (he seemed interested)

Losing onesself in the wilderness is a doable dream. Next day he brings a catalog to show me various cart options.

In fact, he's excited to get on with the cart project. He points to a nearby mountain as his first foray with the cart. (the advantage of the cart is that 100 or even 150 pounds of supplies can be carried without stressing your back)

I also told him about this guy----Bill,--from New Zealand that I met last week. He had walked the Arizona trail---from north to south---across the Grand Canyon and down to Mexico---reporting that the experience was transformative---and joyful.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I like Lee's idea---It just may be theraputic to wander alone in the wilderness. His anger is child abuse come to bloom. I believe we all embody the effects of our childhood---developing a strategy to cope with painful feelings----and paradoxically---it is that strategy that is most likely to bless the world. Opra's response to her abuse is a positive example.

I look at my life strategy---wandering about---noticing things----asking questions---brazenly speculating and ask myself what motivates me to do this. And I honestly don't know. I seem to have always been ,in essence, this way. Hopefully I refine my "game" as time goes by and it may prove useful to someone somewhere,

DEATH AT MY DOORSTEPS-----HOW THRILLING

2011-11-02T14:41:00.001-06:00

TO STAY IN LOVE WITH LIFE REQUIRES A CONSCIOUSNESS OF DEATH.

And this day it looks me in the eye. A fresh cougar track, only a stone's throw from my door, hinted at what was to come

Then this: Drag marks----I follow them--

To this! A cougar kill.

I look death in the eye---let it speak to me.

Death likely came upon it while it slept---grasp it by its throat. (The words of Livingston are somewhat comforting here---He was mauled by a lion in Africa and was rescued. He later reported that the incident while occuring was painless and that he watched with curiosity--not fear or horror at what was happening to him)

Of course the whole campground is now abuzz --- I show my neighbors---We all want to acquaint ourselves with death. Authorities are notified---warning signs are posted .

This was a close call---the cougar could have gotten me or one of these kids walking about.

I use the occasion to reflect on close calls---How thrilling to approach the "dangerous edge"---how just the previous week I deliberately camped on the very edge of this canyon--for some mysterious reason.

I remember considering this particular spot as a possible suicide place---when the time comes. Only about 3 seconds of terror---then blessed oblivion. I quickly rejected it as an unseemly burden on those who must come get the body. I will find a better spot --- to vanish.

Kids experiencing the thrill of near death---a 50 foot fall into Lake Heron, NM.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:Life seems especially sweet after close calls---or perhaps just having a look at a death. I have deliberately risked my life a few times: I jumped a blowhole on the Oregon coast once---and another time leaped a crevasse with a hundred foot drop---felt exhilerated afterwards. Neither was any great feat---I just felt drawn to do it. Once I went about a quarter mile into an abandoned mine and In louisiana I paddled into a pitch black swamp---my heart raced---and then soon calmed down---and fear went away. I think all these experiences somehow blend into a larger truth about death putting urgency and even meaning into life. Victor Frankel's book, "Man's Search for Meaning" says that holocaust survivors emerged with an enhanced joy of just being alive. And Thoreau said: Living is so dear.

Once, I was camped with the WIN's (www.rvsingles.org) in the desert near Apache Junction when rattlesnakes emerged from hibernation. They were everywhere in our camp--under rigs---under doorsteps. IT WAS WONDERFUL-- everyone was on high alert---discussions were animated---laughter and aliveness filled the campground. Life seemingly had more meaning with death at our doorstep.

FELLOW FRUGALIST FUNNELS OUR PHILOSOPHY INTO THE EAR OF AMERICA

2011-10-23T15:19:00.000-06:00

HURRAY FOR GLEN MORISSETTE!!--- HE TOLD ALL OF AMERICA WHAT IT NEEDED TO HEAR.

Remember this guy who visited me back in June?

Lives full time in this Chinook motor home?

Earns money doing this on the streets of the cities he visits.

And he does much more: HE THINKS----and puts his thoughts in cyberspace---writes a blog:

http://www.tosimplify.net/

About his travels. And a few thousand read about his adventures.

-----AND THEN ONE DAY-----

He read an article bemoaning the poor wretches who had to live on $22,000.00 a year.

-----WHHHHAT????-----

He said to himself!!

I LIVE LIKE A KING---ON HALF OF THAT!!!

AND SO------

He wrote an e-mail to the author of that article--telling her---just that.

The author wrote back ---asking for an interview---Glenn complied---told his tale

and she published it.

AND THEN----AND THEN

Someone in the National News recognized this gem and published it NATIONALLY on yahoo.

AND THEN----AND THEN

Glen's message of living like a king---frugally--- reached every corner of the earth.

Here's the origional story:

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/alpha-consumer/2011/10/19/the-secret-to-living-well-on-11000-a-year

AND THEN-----AND THEN

Thousands upon thousands clicked on his blogsite to more fully "catch the drift" of this drifter.

Celebrate with me, sweet people, this earth-circling spread of the gospel of frugality--

How frugality can set you free---to find yourself.

MAY THE FORCE BLESS GLENN MORISSETTE

A SAD SAGA OF SENTIMENTALITY

2011-10-19T23:05:00.000-06:00

THIS LADY HAD HER (PAID FOR) HOME TAKEN FROM HER BY A SANTA FE HOSPITAL--
In a lawsuit seeking payment for expensive medical proceedures on her invalid, incurable son. Her home was seized, sold and she found herself ousted. When I met her she was living in a small travel trailer and working in this office for her rent. She is 80 plus. I told her I would tell her story to the world so others might be warned.

I've "doctored" her image as I didn't get permission to show the real thing--This one was surreptitiously shot so I would not intefere with the flow of her story.

She is not responsible for my interpretation or philosophical opinions.

More than 51 years ago, she gave birth to a severly defective son suffering from spinabifida. Doctors said he would likely die within a year. Turns out, he lived for 51 years and this lady took care of him the entire time. She, in effect, sacrificed the lions share of her life and hapiness for him---and he had no meaningful life either. When he finally spiraled beyond hope, he fell into the grip of the medical community whose ethic will not permit a peaceful euthanasia but requires sustaining life as long as possible. It was an expensive dying--about $300,000. The courts said she was responsible for the bill and thus she lost her house. Now she scrimps along doing what she can with the remainder of her life.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Are you enraged? I think you should be! This lady is thrice victimized---BY SENTIMENTALITY.

To begin with, we should not allow seriously defective babies to live. Who says so? Not just me but the most serious ethical thinkers in the world. Peter Singer for example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Singer

And if you'd like to read both sides of the story:

http://www.equip.org/articles/peter-singer-s-bold-defense-of-infanticide

Secondly, we should not burden this poor woman with the decision at either end of life. We really do need DEATH PANELS composed of the wisest among us, representing a cross section of our peers to make the tough calls----both at the beginning and end of life. We dare not let husbands, wives

or children make these decisions. They may be motivated by greed on one hand or sentimentality on the other. Society as a whole has a stake in these very expensive decisions.

Here is a clear cut case where two lives and vast expenditures were squandered out of sheer sentimentality. And guess what: One of those severly deformed babies who was allowed to live actually wrote a book describing his incredible suffering and HE SAYS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO LIVE. (I'm trying to find the title for you)

Let me anticipate an objection: I am not talking about people WHO BECOME SEVERLY DISABLED. That is another issue entirely. As is the right to assisted suicide.

People who believe that ethics is revealed in "Holy Books" rather than hashed out in human experience---cannot help us behave wisely---Indeed they have always been an impediment to

rational ethics.

HOW NOT TO GO WACKO

2011-10-12T12:48:00.001-06:00

MY EXPERIENCES ARE OUTRUNNING MY REPORTS. I'M WAAY BEHIND----So I shall condense a few of my stories from Bluewater State Park, NM---a well kept secret from most New Mexicans. About 7,500 ft elevation---dependably cool---lovely canyon to hike--lake to enjoy--mountains to climb---and only 60 or so miles from mysterious Chaco Canyon. The Focus of the title story will come at the end

The dam that creates the lake.

Looking west.

Lovely canyon just steps away--great hiking--Campground is up here on the plateau.

Walked it several times---lush and beautiful.

On several occasions this herd of free ranging horses wandered in.

They are amazingly bold. This one recently lost its mate---and then---

Quickly found another--they loved my carrots.

This little fellow was in the road.

Ever so gently, I got him out of harm's way.

A grade school principal---and the sheriff's daughter-- I engaged--We chatted at length about

education.

One of the first commercial motor homes--a Dodge. This one is the fitted together halves of two wrecks. The builder showed me its interior. He is a master carpenter--rare these days.

A marvel of great craftsmanship from front to rear.

Meet Francis---the focus of this story--He earns his keep for the park by leading hikes into the canyon.

He lives alone in a tiny rig---lives radically simple---except that he spends 6 hours a day on the computer--reading, commenting, writing his blog: www.asimpleandspirituallife.org --gave away most of his nest egg to a religious commune in an emotional surge---says he hates organized religion--have a look for yourself

Probably the most difficult interview I've conducted--he was unpleasant, abusive, and insulting--I endured it to get the story. His opinions are so hardened that he can't listen---only explain his views. He's lost the joys of give and take. For all his vitriol, he could not resist my skillfully inviting questions and focused attention---The devil himself wants to be understood.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I ask my intuition to tell me why this man is so unpleasant? It said that he has spiraled to that low place in a feedback loop. Moments of unrestrained irritation distanced one after another of his friends---- leaving him more and more alone--with his irritations echoing in his brain. With only ones cranky self for company, one becomes even more cranky. WHEN YOU FOCUS ON THE BAD-----IT EXPANDS---TO FILL YOUR WHOLE AWARENESS. This man has slipped into a deep tar pit and few will join him there for fellowship. I found it painful slogging around down there. In succeeding days as he would walk by I caught him glancing my way---his dark hungry soul wishing for the joy of my attention. I considered--but rejected any further contact---My own soul has all the darkness it can handle.

But to make good on my title question: THE WAY NOT TO GO WHACKO IS TO NOT LOSE YOUR FRIENDS. My friends are my salvation--(and the greater part of any wisdom and inspiration I may have. You know who you are and That I treasure you)

A VISIT TO THE MONKS IN HIDEAWAY CANYON

2011-10-03T16:43:00.003-06:00

I KNOW A SECRET RESTING PLACE:

Beyond those mountains--I'm in the mood to go---sit!

Across the lonely road where Georgia Okeeffe lived---and painted this world famous picture.

And this one!

Here's my secret camping spot---Diana and I found it years ago--it rests pleasantly in my mind--till I come and rest pleasantly in it.

Seen from the nearby mesa, I'm barely a dot on the landscape. (just left of center)

Turns out---I'm not alone---In the night this humble camper puttered by, settling some distance away.

And it turns out---to be a lady professor---whose Phd thesis was---about Thoreau! My beloved Henry David Thoreau---whose writings set me on this path of adventure some 38 years ago. We have much to talk about. (she later sent me one of her books)

She tells me that deep in a river canyon, long miles away, live 40 or so monks who have retreated to a secluded place to "learn the wisdom of living well in Christ Jesus." Of course I will go--and damn the rain.

That's the Chama river--now raging after this summer rainstorm.

Back, Back into the lovely canyon

Till this sign tells me I have arrived.

And these solar panels tell me that they rely on God (indirectly) for power.

And here is their worship place. at the end of the road. They are Benedictines (40 or so in number) who established here in 1964. They raise hops and own a brewery. for the full story: www.christdesert.org

Some paint

strange pictures,

Some carve intricate doors.

I start for home just as more thunderstorms threaten. I could easily get trapped out here.

OR WORSE!! The car ahead of me nearly slid in the ditch--I was sliding toward the canyon--I paused to appreciate the seriousness of my situation. Then ever so slowly moved onward.

Couldn't resist walking a segment of the famous Continental Divide Trail.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I met none of them--they are, by choice, cloistered---mumbling their prayers, fumbling their rituals, denying their sensual urges, hoping for divine revelation, believing the fantastic, reinforcing a destructive doctrine, living constricted lives, roadblocks to peace ----THEY ARE DRONES IN THE BEEHIVE OF HUMANITY. I wish---Oh I wish, I had brought with me a list of Maslow's 22 characteristics of self actualized personalities---I would have nailed it to that fancy door---like martin Luther's 95 theses. But better still if I could have left the movie Zorba the Greek or Lonesome Dove so these zombies could see what a juicy human being looks like. It is sheer cowardice to run from life in this fashion.

Assembling together for common purpose is not their sin---(that is often how progress is made) Their big lie and sin against themselves and humanity is their PRETENTIONS TO CERTAINTY: Their futile attempts to wall out doubt with self-reinforcing community. (wanna see how this works? Go into a Mormon bookstore---ask for a copy of Tanner's Mormon Claims examined)

CRACKING THE MYSTERY OF CHACO CANYON----PART 2

2011-09-16T21:01:00.000-06:00

To briefly review: A thousand years ago in this remote, unspecial, spot, an otherwise ordinary group of Indians were somehow infused with the talent, desire and determination to build mega structures like the one pictured here--containing 500 plus rooms, numerous Kivas and ceremonial plazas. 12 of these grand houses were constructed in the immediate vicinity and another 15 in the outlying areas. Nowhere else in America has similar super building occurred. The obvious question is: WHAT GOT INTO THESE PEOPLE. WHY, WHY, WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS.

Here's what remains of the structure pictured above. I have asked my "good genius" (my deepest intuition) to consider the question and get back to me. (I often pose important questions to a committee of three in my head: My subconscious, My database and my conscious reason) Here's its report:

1. An ordinary clan of ancient Indians, following water or fleeing hostilities or seeking greener pastures, made their way to this canyon and this spot.

2. An anomaly of this spot is a super-abundance of perfectly sized building stones----1,2and 3 inch layers of sandstone---perfectly flat on two sides. Kids playing could pile up impressive stacks---and soon discovered that mud between the layers would harden and stabilize stacks---making even more impressive structures. Adults quickly grasped the possibility of easy-to-build walls for houses----and further, the bonus of houses sharing a wall -- or two--or even three----AND the bonus of houses on top of houses---thus sharing a roof. BINGO --pueblo style building is underway.

3. Density dwelling works social magic on the tribe---intensifying idea exchange--culture elaboration--and speeds creation and spread of cultural memes. (mental bits of culture--songs, tales etc)
(see Palo Solari's work with Arcology)

4. With food and water problems solved (for the moment) people turned their attention to the fun pursuits of building with these terrific stones. Human ego, being what it is, bigger and ever more impressive houses were constructed.

5. Excellence in construction began to be noticed and appreciated----triggering a FEEDBACK SPIRAL of excellence. (i.e. beautiful work---when publicly appreciated---evokes even more excellence---and appreciation--and excellence.......)

6. The occasional visitor---noting the quality and size of construction here---spread the word---and more visitors came to see---creating another FEEDBACK SPIRAL of fame--tourism--more fame etc.
Eventually the community spiraled its way to SPECTACLE.

7. Spectacle evokes a numinous effect. (Awe)---like seeing Solomon's Temple, or the pyramids or Hoover Dam. Spectacle too, feeding on awe and fame generates ever greater spectacle.

8. Architectural authority arose to shape the growing spectacle into some order.

9. Meanwhile, nearby clans are building spectacles of their own.

10. Divine guidance: Throughout the entire process people seek guidance from the Shaman. He too spirals toward ever more elaborate theology and ritual. Visitors and locals enjoy a bigger and bigger "show".

11. Commerce quickly raises its head---and another feedback loop spirals upward.

12. The various feedback loops enfold and further enhance each other. In short Chaco canyon becomes a terrific place to visit for a good time. Branson Missouri's rise to super-tourist spot is very similar. We RVers can see how spiraling has made Quartzsite, Az our "Mecca".

13. Tyranny or no tyranny? Well yes and no. Slavery? No!---- Social coercion--Yes! Theology always jerks people around---by fear and hope--so they spend energies working for the church. In Chaco, no doubt a theology arose with a governing priesthood and masses worked "voluntarily" for the deity.

14. Why did it end?---It was a social empire and It ran its course---usually 300 years is about max for them---bad weather probably precipated a downward feedback spiral and its charm died quicker than it rose.

15. What have we learned here? That lightening can strike in unlikely places---that empires--of all kinds--political--social--religious--commercial are giant feedback loops that rise--ascend--and decline.
That tiny causes can have huge effects. An abundance of flat--perfectly sized building stones---started a local building craze that swelled to a spectacle--to a monument---to a 300 year "happening".

That feedback loops--once recognized--are seen to be all around and in us---and can serve for good or ill. Social Manias--like statue building on Easter Island----Tulip mania in holland---pyramid mania in Egypt and House mania in the US ----rarely serve humanity well---though they produce impressive stuff.

That humans like to get excited and lose themselves in something bigger than themselves. It is near ecstasy to allign your energy and intent with many others---and is extremely powerful. The dilemma of mavericks and extremely independent personalities is that unless they join some sort of human surge---they miss out on all the fun.

At the psychological level--chaco suggest that tiny steps in the direction of your dreams can start an upward spiral of great satisfaction and who knows what else. My friend Boonie persuaded me to try blogging-----and ---now I have a game to play that connects me with the world.

CRACKING THE SPECTACULOR MYSTERY OF CHACO

2011-09-16T00:14:00.002-06:00

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS SPECTACULOR MYSTERY? I'ts 80 miles 0ut in the desert ---think I'll go out there and let 'my good genius" have a crack at it.

Driving North from Thoreau, NM into Indian country.

Hardly a soul out here.

13 miles to that horizon---so far so good. I've left my trailer behind because:

I knew this was coming: 20 miles of very iffy road. They deliberately make getting there difficult to discourage all but those seriously interested in this phenomenon.

And it was indeed iffy---occasionally had to creep along at walking speed.

I'm here---ready to confront the mystery.

That's fajada butte---up there on top is where the famous solstice sun dagger was discovered. On June 21st a dagger of light falls precisely on a target chipped in the rock. (That's the new Visitor center in the plain)

A terrific campground---I'm sleeping in the tent. I wandered around late at night and met a mysterious guy with an Indian Drum---who told me he was on a spiritual quest and that the moon would be full at 2 am---time for his ceremony. (turns out, many are here in search of something mystical)

Here is what all the hoopla is about---Pueblo Bonito---the epicenter of a cultural tsunami---as it appeared a thousand years ago. It is huge--over 500 rooms---and built so well that a fair chunk of it remains. (as you will see)

Me at the outer edge.

A representative chunk of it---- walls smooth on both sides with rubble filling the center----they built 5 or 6 stories high----9 ft ceilings. So what's the big mystery? Hang on---I'll tell you!

Is that precise construction or what? The mortar is mud and that is all origional masonry--a thousand years old. So you're impressed----but not mystified? Hang on--I'll get to it.

Aaaah but look here----ANOTHER whopper of a pueblo barely a mile away.

Let's go up on top of the mesa to get some perspective. See that crack up there--thats how "they" got up there and interestingly---that's still the way up there. I went---but it was a bit hairy.

And what's up there? ANOTHER grand pueblo------and just to the right of it--STILL ANOTHER vast complex with a huge plaza in it's center. There's no water up here to speak of----why in heavens name did they do this?

Here's the pueblo I just mentioned----wanted to show again the superb masonry---corner perfectly square and smoothe after a thousand years.

Now I sit down to let pueblo Bonito speak to me. Luke climbed up the scary trail with me and comes over to get congratulated.

And there it is again---in all its mystery---just one entrance---a massive endeavor in a very unlikely place. Soil and water are just marginal. It thrived for 300 years---and then the people went elsewhere.

Now brace yourself----THERE ARE 12 OF THESE GREAT HOUSES almost within sight of one another. This is the largest and oldest. Beginning to get the feel of the mystery: Why did a building frenzy happen here? Why did the cultural pattern created here spread hundreds of miles in every direction. They found cocoa from central America here---parrot skeletons---metal goods--and guess what? TWO GIANTS buried down there. (giants in that they towered over the locals)---but nobody else.

I've asked my good genius to digest all this and give me a plausible answer---AND IT HAS---

tomorrow I will spell out the very surprising answer---and its direct relevance to you.

It's near midnight and I'm sleepy. I leave you with this odd photo of a guy balancing on his hands in some sort of spiritual posture--RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF THE CLIFF! He was one of a dozen here on a pilgrimage seeking ------something!

DISCOVERED: A REAL LIVE KINGDOM OF HOBBIT CASTLES

2011-09-09T20:27:00.000-06:00

STORIES REACH ME OF A LAND---- FAR BEYOND GAPING CANYONS---Where clever "Hobbits" have retreated to live their lives in underground houses--that they build themselves. A place without power lines--where water and sewer systems are custom built--one by one---a community without stores---where only industrious, creative "Hobbits" dwell. I will go and see---and take you with me.

I drive across a long flat plain---

through rolling hill country

Across the awesome canyon.

Out there---- in what was considered wasteland----perhaps 200 creative people live---people who dare to do a different thing---who march to a different drummer. The tires are a clue--what do you think imagination can do with used tires?

Moving closer---I feel the magic ----many have fantasized doing this---and here it is --for real--people living underground---their lifestyle powered by the sun.

Imagine--designing and living in your own personal castle!

Here's one under construction. I inquired about the legalities-- Zoning--building codes etc: Bottom line: THEY HAVE IT COVERED. Very bright, determined people fought and won the battle for legitimacy. New Mexico has strong---blue state thinking---and are innovative in many ways.

Beer cans---secured with concrete.

And they will gladly tell you all about it. You too could become a "Hobbit" and live in an "Earthship."

Perhaps buying this fixer-upper

DEFINITELY NOT TRASH---RESOURCES.

That's me--Admiring a wall of beer cans---hoping a hobbit will emerge.

AH YES---Here's what I wanted to show you. Note the tires are stacked in staggered rows--each is filled with dirt (for firmness and insulation ) and secured with concrete. Chickenwire and concrete will result in a smoothe finished wall. Often they get the tires free.

A particularly well made one! Can you see the dozen others scattered across the landscape? Note that all face south to catch the winter sun.

A Rancho Grande---with scads of solar power---I count 26 panels--each delivering up to 120 watts. Far more than the ordinary household needs. ( I have 3 of that size on my roof --providing all the power I need---even to run power tools and watch tv etc--And I'm Ok even without sun for 3 days---power is stored in 3 AGM batteries)

Community spirit thrives--I am told---but these special people apparantly appreciate privacy.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: My hat's off to these pioneers in alternative housing. But I do not believe it is the wave of the future---just some components of it---I believe the spirit shrinks with this much apartness---from urban density---and from community. I cast my vote for Palo Solari's Arcology--that I visited last year. A "beehive" community of efficiency and connection. And of course I cherish my own lifestyle of mobility---and connection with my community of Nomads.

HIGH DRAMA IN DULCE

2011-09-07T15:52:00.000-06:00

THE COUNCIL DEBATES: LIQUOR OR NO LIQUOR ON THE RESERVATION!

I previously showed you the Indian town of Dulce, NM---but forgot the most interesting story: The council debate and decision regarding alcohol on the reservation.

Here's what made the debate so interesting: There is a dangerous 18 mile stretch of mountain road between Dulce and the nearest liquor store---Chama, NM

Just look at all that inebriating stuff---only one of two well stocked aisles. Are you beginning to get the drift of the problem? There are a fair number of alcoholic Indians in Dulce who really, really want a drink and so they drove the dangerous road to Chama and too many of them did not make it back---so many---that the council met to consider the problem. Perhaps improving the road would help! Or persuading the drinkers to become Christian---Or a bus run to Chama---or designated drivers---or a billboard campaign about the dangers of drunk driving. AND THEN-----AND THEN---one brave soul said: WHY DON'T WE JUST ALLOW ALCOHOL TO BE SOLD HERE IN DULCE? No doubt a strained silence fell across the room. PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICALITY clashed! ERADICATE AND ACCOMODATE squared off ! ABSOLUTIST AND RELATIVIST waged war! Guess who won:

The PRACTICAL, RELATIVISTIC, ACCOMODATORS won and now there is a liquor store in Dulce. Drunk driving deaths are down.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: This was a wise decision I think. They opted for HARM REDUCTION--and I hope our government will adopt a similar strategy for marajuana and other drug use. I do not use drugs but millions do --and making them legal would reduce their harm---and our prison population.

A DAY IN THE LIFE---THE CHALLENGE TO FILL TIME---PART 2

2011-09-05T17:52:00.001-06:00

THE DAY IS BARELY HALF OVER----and already our adventure cup is about full---

When in the middle of nowhere we see this imposing building---apparantly abandoned---of course we want the story----and cross some barriers to get here.

Obviously a structure of style and elegance--this was the central room.

And the walls call forth the artistic impulses of a graffitist.

Lucas stares in puzzlement at the wreckage---as do we.

This was instructive: That is a pile of bat manure---- droppings from that crack up top. I guess bats are always looking for new homes.

We conclude this was a resort lodge---Stone Lake Resort---with lots of large guest rooms----and this is the view of Stone Lake. We later learned that it has a prominent place in Indian Mythology. From out of this lake---the story goes---emerged the Jimez tribe. I wondered if the tribe tells the story to the young as a myth or as the truth. I'm suddenly curious how Indian tribes in general present their mythology to the kids---do they really grow up believing all that stuff about humanity emerging from a hole in the ground or a lake etc---about coyote as a trickster and about Hopi Kachinas being able to make it rain and so forth. I once asked some Hopi kids if they believed that Kachinas really lived in the San Francisco peaks near Flagstaff. They said yes---of course! My mother and community "laid a myth" on me and I was 27 before I was able to shake it.

But I digress----continuing on I saw about a hundred of these curious structures scattered across a huge meadow. I just gotta know why.

Saw this guy working on one----stopped and asked---aaahh what a story---prepare yourself.

Meet Mr. Wainright, a very friendly and informed Jacarilla Apache Indian. The thing he is building is a family shelter and dining place for an upcoming celebration called Harvest feast. All Jacarillas will come to this meadow on September 15th ---and cluster in family groups AND in CLANS. There are two Jacarilla clans--the RED----descendents of a mountain tribe and the WHITE---descendents of a plains tribe. They all gather on this day primarily to say thanks to the creator for the plants and animals that sustain them AND to engage in a ceremonial foot race. Afterwards, they paint themselves and gather in a grand council to pray and bond and recount their history.

I quiz him further--taking notes: There are about 3,600 Jacarilla total---most live in the City of Dulce.

Their reservation is huge---about 50 miles by 25 miles (perhaps overgenerous as reservations go) Larger tribes have much smaller areas) He explained that the Stone Lake Lodge was a gift from the OEO (office of economic opportunity) and that when it failed, their shaman investigated and determined that it was because it was built on rattlesnake ground.

We moved on to the city of Dulce---Walked around.

Has a GREAT super market---a spectacular mural covers three walls.

Then we left the reservation---driving back to Chama---been a great day!

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: This is what I did with my freedom---on this day. What would you do with yours? I hope to illustrate for my readers that deep freedom is possible and to share with them my particular slant on filling time. (generating meaning) I'm open to suggestions on WHAT---REALLY---IS WORTH DOING.

A DAY IN THE LIFE---THE CHALLENGE TO FILL TIME ..........

2011-09-04T15:54:00.001-06:00

WITH INTEREST: In a nutshell, that is the challenge of freedom: Vast landscapes of days that must be filled-----by intention or inattention (the default setting). Here is a fairly typical day of mine---so filled with events that two blog entries will be needed to cover the highlights.

After coffee, I go for a walk with 4 of my friends, one of which is Luke. It has rained and the mud cakes up on his paws. He stops and raises the affected limb----fully expecting "mamma" to fix the problem. And she does ---dependably ---It's touching to see such trusting confidence.

This desert toad surprised us, leaping right out of the ground where he had been buried indefinitely waiting for a rain such as last night. He or she will hurriedly mate, eat, lay eggs and rebury itself in the mud.

We engage these friendly ladies, drying their bed wear. They are part of a singing group specializing in Latvian songs. I ask for a sample----and they provide it---a strange but lovely song. We applauded heartily. I love to stimulate moments like this.

After breakfast we assemble at cliffside to watch our friend Brad make a 50 ft leap into the lake. He swam out unharmed.

Then, on a whim, a companion and I decide to tour the nearby Indian reservation. It's just across this dry lake bed.

They are meticulous in marking their territory.

Delapidated ruins always attract me. I marvel that a family would settle in so remote a location. We walk the area and surmise it was a ranch house crushed by snow.

Long ago, someone looked out this window at their slice of heaven.

We search around, locating the well, septic, etc---piecing the story together.

Further in, we see this deceased oil well.

And go deeper into Indian country---speeding across muddy spots like this.

We're struck by this genetic anomaly---an all black cow with an all white calf. Surely a result of bovine miscegenation.

Then we find a better road and follow it----for many miles---seeing no one. AND THEN-----AND THEN---We saw someone and something very interesting. Which I will report tomorrow. This is long enough for a single blog entry. I leave you with one of my poems giving a very good reason to leave the familiar.

Walk a New Street

Walk a street that’s new to you;

Notice what happens in your head.

Pulses of pleasure are released

Like bubbles in rising bread.

Now some scientist has proven what

RVers knew was true:

Travelers feel a surge of joy

Experiencing something new.

Endorphins are released, it seems,

When we see novelty,

Natural pleasure chemicals

In the brain of you and me.

So now we know how to make ourselves happy:

Go do something new.

To generate fun just walk some “un”

Familiar avenue.

Thanks to the research of James Austin

(Zen and the Brain,

MIT Press, Cambridge, 1998, p. 219)

HOW TO HATCH A HERO

2011-08-30T14:06:00.002-06:00

A fierce wind raged through our campground----collapsing, tearing, breaking one fellow's tent. He's gathering the pieces for the dumpster. I know it's his only home and he's faced with sleeping in his car. I have an impulse to rescue-----BUT THEN----A 2000 yr old story flashed in my head----and I get a better Idea. I'll tell you the story---it's a true one---and you won't forget it:

In 415 BC, an army and a fleet from Athens laid seige to the city of Syracuse (Sicily) and was on the brink of overrunning it. Syracuse, in desperation, asked mighty Sparta for help----and expected phalanxes of gleaming Spartan helmets to come to their rescue. Instead, only one Spartan soldier was sent----smuggled into the city---carrying a note for its rulers----it said: THIS IS GYLIPPUS---OUR BEST GENERAL----HE IS ALL YOU NEED!! They were stunned---and demoralized---but desperate. So they gave him command. Under cover of darkness, he assembled the rag tag defenders and told them they were terrific soldiers---that they would shatter the Athenians so completely that few, if any would escape the Island. He then directed emergency wall mending---utilized feints, ploys, flanking maneuvers, concentrations of forces-----and in short order had the Athenians on the run. He trapped their entire force and almost none escaped. For the Athenians it was the disasterous turning point in the Peloponnesian wars.

The message I take away is obvious: WHAT WE MOST NEED IS NOT RESCUE---BUT INSPIRATION.

So--- Gylippus-like, I move into his life and tell him that anything can be fixed--for about $5 and some imagination. He shows me the rips and the broken part. I go with him to Ace Hardware and tell him that somewhere in this store is a functional replacement----and I amble around the aisles with him---as he looks at plastic fittings and other stuff. Suddenly in the conduit aisle he finds a 45 degree fitting of the right diameter. He's delighted---we return--it works. I lend him needle and thread and he stitches the rips. He's in business again---AND DELIGHTED WITH HIMSELF.

You're looking at a victorious soldier----who has saved his home from destruction. And new ideas came rushing out of him---why not secure his tent inside this shelter.

And he did!! And lived happily ever after. Ah sweet people---I can tell you: It's Waaaay more fun to inspire than rescue----and waaay more fun to hatch a hero than be one

THE PEOPLE "OVER THERE"

2011-08-20T23:17:00.000-06:00

"ENJOY THE LAND BUT OWN IT NOT" (THOREAU)---THE DREADFUL DREADFUL COST OF POSSESSION---(AND THE GLORIOUS ALTERNATIVE)

Over there!!!---is a high priced land development. People paid big bucks---200 to 500 thoiusand to enjoy a lakefront view from their home.

The same view that I enjoy from the window of my rig for about two dollars---yes--just two dollars.

And these wonderful trails are just one mile away.

And the sunsets thrill me as much as the "People over there."

And here is the sad part----The "people over there" ---feel the need to close themselves off---from the rest of the world. Here's the locked gate. Frost's poem: Mending Wall came to mind.

"Something there is that doesn't love a wall,

That wants it down.

....Before I built a wall, I'd ask to know what I was walling in or walling out.

And to whom I was like to give offense."

Naturally, I want to go there to see what this Shangralai can teach me. And I managed to do so----rumbling 6 miles down a washboard road to a party at the community center. I noticed many places for sale and chatted with some property owners. I got the impression they feel trapped---by an ill considered vision of the good life. One told me that he had sunk so much money into his lot and house that he couldn't afford to escape the bitter winters.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:

AAAhh dear readers---Which side of the lake do you choose? Want to possess and be possessed by a house and land over there? Want to pay the price and live in a gated community over there?--- Or mingle with the masses over here? The land over there serves 2 hundred---this land serves 2 thousand ---in a weekend.

A curious incident at the party is instructive: As the music played, a spunky lady and I got up and danced. The crowd broke into applause as we whirled---seemingly delighted at our boldness. I asked myself if secluded communities breed timidity.

WHAT DOES A WHOLE HUMAN BEING LOOK LIKE?

2011-08-14T19:11:00.028-06:00

AND HOW TO BECOME ONE! ---- I wandered away for a few days to Santa Fe for a movie "fix": (Cowboys and Aliens--2 and a half stars---Rise of the Planet of the Apes---4 stars---Captain America --2 stars) --Began reflecting on the above questions----decided to pursue the answers by returning to Tierra Amarilla, NM to chat again with Paul Namkung---A living example. The landscape enroute is a joy to pass through--will show more of it later. It is Georgia Okeefe (famous artist) country--where she lived and worked. That's Ghost Ranch ahead on the right.

Down there is the little village I'm header for.

It made National news once as the focus of land grant fights---google Reies Lopez Tijerina for the full story. (still alive--and returned recently for a visit)

It's Saturday and again musicians work their magic.

Afterwards, some impromptu fun ---Lovely lady does the hoop--with amazing skill.

Then a second lady joins in with new tricks.

I gave it a shot----aaahhh wellll!

But here's what I came for----Paul sits down for another session---what I want to know is more about his "personality path"----what choices or experiences help nudge a person up the scale of being. About one person in a hundred becomes SELF ACTUALIZED---exhibits the quality of creative aliveness. (Want to know more?----scroll down---I have condensed Maslow's study of "whole" people---see how you stack up against the best that humanity has to offer---you may be higher than you think. I will also point to some role models. )

Paul is a delight to chat with---tells great stories----He is the eldest child---was a lifelong maverick, lover of music, fun and creative challenges. His interest were so broad that he neglected for a long time settling down to a career. Eventually became a social worker, couselor, program initiator. Along the way he built a house in the forest, raised pigs, chickens and rabbits, invented, manufactured, sold his drums and then settled here and started this coffeehouse. Says he's learned to enjoy the processes of life rather than end products.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: As open and responsive as he was, I still come away not understanding why some people climb high on the ladder of being and most don't. I don't want to believe that it's genes but maybe it is. I speculate that a long series of tiny choices---small moments of curiosity/ creativity /courage build on each other---opening door after door of new experience / insight----making subsequent moments of them easier and more fun----activating a feedback loop--a self-enhancing spiral--- upwards---like evolution-- that may last a lifetime and giving to the world a polished, exciting, contributing personality. But I'm guessing! Perhaps my readers have a theory that explains advanced personalities.

Here are a few personalities, fictional and real that I think illustrate self actualization:

Zorba the Greek (movie)

Gus McCrae--(movie--Lonesome Dove)

Benjamin Franklin
Voltaire
Warren Buffet (see what he said today in the NY Times)

Below, I have summarized Abraham Maslow's study of "whole" people.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF-ACTUALIZED PEOPLE

1. HAVE MORE EFFICIENT PERCEPTION
Unusual ability to detect the spurious, the fake, dishonesty in personality
In general, to judge people correctly and efficiently.
They can see reality more clearly.

2. ARE NOT FRIGHTENED BY THE UNKNOWN
Tolerate, even enjoy ambiguity

3. ACCEPT THEMSELVES AND OTHERS
Self - A relative lack of overriding guilt, crippling shame and severe anxiety
They accept their own human nature in stoic style, their shortcomings and discrepancies.
Others - They also accept others with their shortcomings and discrepancies.

4. ENJOY THEMSELVES WITHOUT SHAME

5. LACK DEFENSIVENESS AND POSE
Distaste for guile, hypocrisy, front, face

6. EXPRESS SPONTANEITY - SIMPLICITY - NATURALNESS

7. ARE MOTIVATED BY AN URGE TO GROW (Versus deficiency motivation)
Living vs. preparing to live
They don’t strive, they develop
They attempt to grow to perfection - to develop more and more fully their own style.

8. FOCUS ON PROBLEMS OUTSIDE THEMSELVES
They are problem-centered rather than ego-centered.
They usually have some mission in life.

9. HAVE THE QUALITY OF DETACHMENT
They remain unruffled, undisturbed by that which produces turmoil in others.
They find it easy to be aloof, reserved, calm, serene.
They take personal misfortune without reacting violently.
They are more objective and therefore can concentrate better.
They don’t need others in the ordinary sense.
They are self-governing, self-disciplined.
They are the deciding agent rather than a pawn.
They have more free will.

10. HAVE A GREATER NEED FOR PRIVACY

11. ARE MORE INDEPENDENT OF CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT

12. HAVE A CONTINUED FRESHNESS OF APPRECIATION
They count their blessings.

13. HAVE HAD A MYSTIC EXPERIENCE (a peak experience)
These are experiences, usually brief, of limitless horizons opening up to the vision.
The feeling of being simultaneously more powerful and more helpless than ever.
The feeling of great ecstasy, wonder, awe.
The loss of placing in time and space.
The conviction that something extremely important and valuable has happened so that
One is to some extent transformed and strengthened.

14. HAVE DEEPER FEELINGS OF IDENTIFICATION, SYMPATHY AND AFFECTION.
Despite occasional anger, impatience, disgust.

15. DESIRE TO HELP THE HUMAN RACE.

16. HAVE DEEPER, MORE PROFOUND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS.
Capable of more fusion, greater love, more perfect identification.
Especially deep ties with fewer people
Circle of friends rather small

17. ARE DEMOCRATIC
Are friendly with anyone with suitable character, regardless of class, education, or race

18. CAN DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN MEANS AND ENDS, GOOD AND EVIL
They are clear in themselves though often their notions of right and wrong are not the
conventional ones.

19. ARE PHILOSOPHICAL

20. HAVE A NON-HOSTILE SENSE OF HUMOR

21. ARE CREATIVE

22. ARE RESISTANT TO ENCULTURATION
They transcend any particular culture.

FOUND: A HERO IN THE HINTERLANDS

2011-08-08T12:28:00.000-06:00

HEROIC DEEDS ARE USUALLY ONE-SHOT EVENTS, BUT I CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO AN HEROIC LIFESTYLE; A MAN WITH THE COURAGE TO RESPOND TO HIS FASCINATIONS OVER THE LONG HAUL. Word reached me of such a man---ensconced--in the tiny village of Tierra Amarillo, New Mexico---about a hundred miles northwest of Santa Fe. People are drawn from all over by the charm of his character and the good things to be found at his coffee shop. This crowd is assembled to hear music by an impromptu band---every Saturday 2 to 5.

That's him on the right playing a drum of his invention. Sounds great---like a deep Conga. Here is a youtube video of them playing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFm3LXrYEDA

Then he switches to his trash can base (fiddle?). It sounds exactly like one---with the same range.

The coffee house is named THE THREE RAVENS------and here they are on the porch roof.

His 4000 sq foot building-----Once a derelict scheduled for bulldozing---but he says he loved it when he saw it---bought it for a song---and spent the next nine years renovating it. It cost about $250,000 to bring it to this condition----and he did so without borrowing money. Mostly he paid for it by selling his wonderful drums at Craft fairs. (he charges about $350 apiece)

The heart of the coffee shop---with a range of sandwiches, goodies and coffee.

Of course I want the story---and on this day I caught him out back, unloading wood. Meet Paul Namkung---the personality that has breathed life and purpose into a dying town. He agrees to an interview.

Makes his drums here: fascinating story with almost metaphysical implications: He saw a guy drumming on an orange crate in SanFrancisco---sounded good---wondered if he could improve on the idea----did experiments with wood and sounds---found a special North forest wood with a super good sound, discovered the perfect thickness--sound holes etc---constructed to also be a seat for the drummer. They are a work of art and lots of fun to play on.

He demonstrates for me.

Then settled himself for an extensive Q&A. Here's the story in a nutshell: 72 yrs old, born in Korea---lived in many places the world round----China, Singapore, Indonesia---settled in the Bay Area---had a 30 yr career as a social worker/counselor----invented his drum and began to sell them at Craft fairs---met a lady who showed him the charms of Northern New Mexico---then-While touring one day, saw this building and immediately decided to sink his roots here. Living modestly, using his social skills to blend with the local culture, (not everyone can move into a "alien" community and win the affection of neighbors) he began the 9 yr task of renovating the building. About 2 years ago he conceived the idea for the coffee shop---lots of people were drawn into the enterprise---now it has the feel of a cheerful, bustling restaurant

Paul working in his office--pulling up something to show me. I noticed that members of his "team" flutter around him like friends rather than employees. A lady brought him that cup of coffee unasked. Charismatics are advanced personalities that draw others near and "infect" them with their magic. To hang around one is to become one yourself. (from the bible: And the crowd perceived that they (the desciples) had been with Jesus)

As we chatted, I noted that he interacts with about everyone who walked in---cheerful banter mostly. The world seemingly has beat a path to his door. One casual visitor was the chief justice of NM Supreme court---whom paul teased a bit---then ended up receiving an order for a musical instrument.

I gave the drums a shot----Hey---I'm pretty rhythmic. Maybe everyone should have music in their life.

Saw this on the wall of an old building in the area----and suddenly--BINGO---my thoughts came together for this entry: Paul has no such difficulty planning his day----ENJOYING THE WORLD IS HIS WAY OF IMPROVING THE WORLD.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: He is living proof that FINDING OUR OWN HAPPINESS IS THE BEST WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE HAPPINESS OF OTHERS. Drums--led to the Lady--led to the tiny village/ big building---to the Coffee Shop---to other artists and musicians (three other craftsmen/artists have since moved in, bought houses. Here is an art-colony-in-the-making. Paul invites all to come feel the village---see if it "speaks" to you. The famous artist, Georgia O'keif settled in just down the road at Abique, NM. For more--click here:

http://www.worlddrums.org/coffeehouse.php

LAST DANCE AT LITO'S BALLROOM

2011-08-02T17:37:00.000-06:00

THIS WAS A DAY OF STRANGE EVENTS AND FEELINGS---I've recorded it as best I can with pictures. I show the ending first to suggest how serendippity pulls me where she will. This is Carmalita---I was "destined" to meet her before the day was over--in a very strange place.

I saw this and got it into my head to go to the other side of the mountain where that rainbow ended.

It's not easy to get there---first I drove the length of this valley---I take my rig with me---I'm not coming back.

I cross a 9,800 ft pass.

On the far side I'm attracted down this gravel road--- something immense on the horizon is drawing me.

A home-made sign gives me pause. I think it says LAND OF DEATH Zapata lives. A warning?

There's the immense thing that's drawing me. And a village of some sort at it's base. Now I'm intrigued.

Nary a soul in sight---an old old spanish village.

Still, not a soul. Houses everywhere vacant.

Abandoned---like the folks just walked away.

Then out of the blue---this strange sight---a little old lady just staring into this unusual building. Of course I want to engage her. I turn to get my hat and turn off my engine----and suddenly she's gone. Must have gone through that doorway. I'll go find her!

Can you read it? LITO'S BALLROOM----can you believe it---a ballroom in a tiny village.

I'm surprised to find the door slightly jammed. I pushed it open and picked my way through the entryway.

Whoa! What has happened here? A major collapse. I see no sign of the lady.

A bandstand stage---pieces of an old piano.

Then on the far wall---Carmelita----that's the name I've given her. With no one to tell me what happened here----I shall have to improvise: Once this was a lively, thriving, frontier town of happy people who loved to dance and so they constructed a ballroom. The best dancer in the village was Raul----devlishly handsome---and when he took the floor---all the ladies swooned. Carmelita especially lost her heart to him---but alas, she had no talent for dancing and just sat and yearned as Raul swirled the other girls round the dance floor.

Desperately in love--she turned to the holy mother for help. A nearby grotto captures the moment Carmelita begs for the gift of graceful dancing. And in an instant knew in her heart the request was
granted-----that her feet and body were now infused with the fire and skill and rhythm of the gypsies. She made herself a dancing dress and when next the ballroom filled on a snowy winter night, she boldly moved to its center and while curious eyes marveled--- began to sway in perfect rhythm to the music. Alone on the dance floor--so graceful that Raul was smitten. Moving onto the dance floor like a toreador, he embraced her and together they did the dance of love. The band seized the moment to play flamenco music. The couple began to stamp----first one and then the other---then both together in such wild abandon that the walls and ceiling began to shake---the crowd cheered---the couple stomped faster and faster---Suddenly a loud crack and timbers began to fall. The people all ran away but Raul and Carmelita---continued to dance. That was the last the town ever saw of them. Some say they slipped out the back door and ran away together.

Bodies were never found. But as a tribute to the miracle dance they witnessed that night---the townspeople placed the shoes they were wearing on the spot the couple danced the flamenco so fiercely that the roof caved in. And there they remain to this day. Some say that after a long happy life together both passed on---but on special occasions---Carmelita's spirit returns to this ballroom to give thanks again to the virgin mother for her miracle.

Search as I may, I never found the lady---but I'm thankful she led me to this dramatic site.

MEET A REAL KILLER----SUFFERING THE CURSE OF CAIN

2011-07-29T15:10:00.001-06:00

AS SOON AS I HEARD THE RUMORS, I MADE MY WAY TO HIS CAMP. I will need all my courage and skills to get this story. With some trepidation, I approach. You are looking at a man who has taken well over a hundred thousand lives---who proudly identifies himself as a killer.

I'm afraid of him-----and yet mesmerized. I ask him about his scooter, its mileage and his travel style. He answers---I marvel---ask more harmless questions---get permission for pictures. His loneliness is my way in.

Soon I am a welcome guest. I do believe I could interview Satan---even He would enjoy telling his story to an inquiring mind.
He shows me how he transports his worldly goods on this makeshift rack. For some years now he has wandered the world ---purposeless---angry---hopeless----unwilling or unable to build a new identity.
And then----and then---I get the story---he's convinced that I care---AND I DO! Here's the story: He has personally killed more than a hundred thousand animals---mostly cows and pigs--and some horses. His only career was killer in a slaughter house---started at 18---was hired not knowing what his job would be----was shocked at first---but got on with it. Said he suffered horrible nightmares for a long time---then they went away-----then something astounding happened---HE BEGAN TO ENJOY KILLING---began to love it---said he would often kill a string of cows to jam up the processing line so he could take a break.

Then something horrible happened: HE BEGAN TO ENJOY CRUELTY! I will spare you details of his cruelty---(though he did not spare me) The only good news is that it was soon noticed and the company moved him to another job. It did not satisfy and he went off to another state and began a second career as a self employed killer and processor for small farmers.

He got married and had kids but she divorced him after 23 years. A minor stroke and mental stresses a few years ago disabled and qualified him for SSI compensation on which he travels and survives living in a tent.

Says he's not killed anything in a while---but shows me that he could. Oh sweet readers---this interview nearly did me in. I came home and cried. Here is a soul that has been seared by killing---and I'm afraid that everyone who eats meat helped do the searing. I don't know how to feel. Is there a way to kill that does not scar our being?

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I thought of Cain---killer of Abel---marked and cursed by God to be a restless wanderer on the earth. This guy looks and fits the name. Strangely, he tells everyone he meets that he is a killer. (puzzled over this awhile) Now I think I understand why he does it: As dreadful as this admission is-----it is less dreadful than NOTHINGNESS. (being Nobody)---Killer is at least an identity---and any identity is more bearable than being nobody. (Nothingness is the anxiety of non existence----and PUSHING AWAY NOTHINGNESS is the full time obsession of all humans)

THE ART OF DRIFTING---PART 2

2011-07-26T19:44:00.000-06:00

DOWN, DOWN, DOWN FROM RUIDOSO---fire danger has closed the forest--so we will drift north to the high mountains of New Mexico. But we're in no great hurry. Considered winding my way to the top of that mountain to get cool---Gallinas peak--8,500 ft. But learned that it's closed too.

Settled for the night at the edge of this tremendous lava field---45 miles long---different from most lava fields because it oozed out of a hole in the ground instead from a mountain cone. About 25 miles due west is Trinity site where the first atomic bomb was detonated.

Next day North across the flat yellow plains, stopping to walk the remote town of Corona---visit its museum.

A missed turn took us to Vaughn, NM---a walk past this motel let us meet these two interesting guys---with a serious message for America---they're riding scooters across the nation--stopping at churches to give a rather shocking report: "There are about 120,000 slaves currently in America. Mostly sex and labor slaves--tricked into coming here--hidden away--exploited and abused."

Then North on a lovely back road (NM hwy 3) for 40 miles without meeting another car.

Headed here: Villanueva St. Park---Can you see my rig parked on that ridge?

It's a wild and wierd wasteland.

With just a bit of arable farmland. It's hard to believe that a caravan of settlers in colonial times made their way here to live their lives.

There's the sleepy little village. I'll go for a closer look.

The community well---Artfully done--right in the center of town.

Old houses of stone and tin.

And adobe---most are still occupied. About 160 people in the vicinity.

Adobe houses unlived in soon melt

They have a church ----and on a nearby hill -- a shrine--with stations of the cross marked along the way.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I walked around letting the village speak to me--chatted with a few citizens----asked myself if it was soul-killing or soul enhancing to live ones life in an obscure, remote, sleepy village. I really ought to know---because I lived 17 years in one. I SAY IT IS SOUL STIFLING. Especially in this Catholic village--tyrannized by guilt-inflicting priest, frustrated by crazy old customs, isolated from fresh thoughts and visons. The English poet Grey--in his classic poem: Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard----spoke of such stifled people:

"but knowledge, to their eyes---her ample page,

rich with the spoils of time, did nere unroll;

chill poverty repressed their noble rage

and froze the genial currents of their soul.

Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife

their sober wishes never learned to stray;

along the cool sequestered vail of life

they kept the narrow tenure of their way

THE GLORY OF GREAT EVIL?

2011-07-20T09:56:00.000-06:00

I'M MOVING ON----RELUCTANTLY---BECAUSE THE PREVIOUS POST WAS SO MUCH FUN. I'm delighted to be at the intersection of such interesting insights----delighted to attract the attention of bigger brains than mine. I hope I never forget Michael's succinct summary of an advanced mind: (one that can) EMBRACE NUANCED VARIABLES. (this phrase may be the social equivalent of E=MC2) I've pondered how to make it clear to myself----then realized I'd already done so in a poem from years ago entitled "The Religion Warehouse". Here's the relevant verses with the important phrase in caps.

------Gone was arrogance and dogmatism,
Their study of religion and history
lets them TOLERATE AMBIGUITY'
embrace the human mystery.

In a few short years, religious wars ceased.
All nations made a truce.
Every civilized person now agrees:
Indoctrination is child abuse.

Freedom to choose your religion
is a universal human right.
Parents stopped "laying their trip" on kids,
and the world sleeps better at night. Now I really will move on. With a companion driving Uphill to escape the heat, we pause to read this sign: Billy the Kid killed someone here. And it set me thinking: Why so much hoop-te-do about this sociopathic snot?-----and then I remembered a line from a Walt Whitman poem: THERE IS EVEN GLORY IN GREAT EVIL.

We found the cool at 7000 feet and settled into this casino parking lot---walked along that cool man-made lake and stayed the night. I pondered the glory/evil question and will pick it up later.

Next day, we moved on to Ruidosa Downs ---a small town with a big racetrack----a perfect place for a museum about horses. I learned something astonishing about a breed of horses called MORGAN horses that is worth a separate blog.

And of course sidled up beside the Kid to share his glory.

Then some real evil befell Luke---can you guess what's happened here? He just got skunked. I will report his thoughts: "OH DEAR GOD this is awful---my lungs and eyes burn---I'VE BEEN SLIMED and I cant seem to get away from it. That striped creature looked like such an easy target---just waddling along---so tempting to grab it and have some fun----BUT OH DEAR GOD what hit me? Maybe I can rub the foul stuff off on the dirt."

"OOOOOOOOhh SWEET JESUS THIS IS AWFUL. I'll try rolling in this dirt. WHAT THE F--K WAS THAT THING. Nothing I do seems to be doing any good."

"Oh WAIT----I KNOW WHAT TO DO------FIND MAMMA. She's in there--- MAMMMMAHH---MAMMMAAA------This is sooooo awful----Come fix your little doggie. I know you can make me feel better. You get stickers out of my paw all the time. MAMMAAAH!!!"

"OOOOOOHHH YESSSS---OOOOOOHH YESSSS----it's working, its working----I feel better already. Go ahead and soap me up four times---do what you have to do."

"Water's cold---but I don't care----life is sweeter now----I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT! Yeah--things look better now---My tail might just rise again. Whew, Thought for awhile there You'd just have to bury me. Ok, Ok I'm clean now---ready to go play again---do safe stuff----like fetching a stick. And Mamma---I wanna tell you---from now on I'M GONNA BE A BETTER DOG---I LOVE YOU MOM!"

Yep---that's the story--just as Luke told it to me. Momma did lightening fast research on her computer and discovered that this little problem can be handled in minutes when you know what to do: 1. Wipe down JUST the affected area with paper towells. Skunk spray is an oil and you can get lots of it off this way. Try not to spread it.

2. Mix in an OPEN container: 1 qt of peroxide---1/4th cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of dish detergent.

3. Wash thoroughly till you've used up the mixture.

The dog will be immediately tolerable with just a faint whiff of skunk detectable and even that will vanish in 3-4 days.

We settled in for the night at Billy the Kid Casino parking lot. See that rail above our roof? That's the famous racetrack.

Now I'll turn my attention to the title question?

But I need to travel right now---I'll just post this and finish maybe later today---I've not yet thought this through---The glory of great evil will take some subtle thought---but I'm sure there's something of substance there. Maybe a perceptive reader can see what I'm feeling around for and help me out. By the time I reach a suitable campsite tonight--the answer may be there.

Now I'm settled by a beautiful lake on the far side of the state and have had a chance to discuss this issue with friends and am prepared to deal with it. Here goes:

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES:
WHERE IS THE GLORY IN GREAT EVIL?

Why would anyone celebrate Billy the Kid days---or Bonnie and Clyde days as they do in Louisiana---or Ned Kelly days as in Australia? I think there's a good reason and something valuable we can learn from the likes of these such as D.B. Cooper, Butch Cassidy, Robin Hood, Geronimo, Jesse James and even Hitler.

What they all did was BREAK THE RULES-----They--- ASTONISHED US with their BOLDNESS.

They dared to do what ordinary folks only fantasize about--sometimes. We all know in our hearts that we are captives of convention----and religion---and fear---and laziness. Most of us lead "lives of quiet desperation". We can envision a bolder life for ourselves --leaving an exhausted marriage, a crazy religion, debilitating friends, etc and trying something new--saying something audacious that we feel, risking embarassment in reaching for something we want.

Hearing outlaw stories fascinates us, I think, and proves that the grip of convention is not complete----that some have cut the barbed wire fences.

When we celebrate Billy the Kid days we pay homage to DARK HEROISM and the thrill of taboo.

Ghandi said: " We should be sincere enough to admit that we love evil too well to give it up."

EVIL IS DRAMATIC ----and we do love it---else why do we name so many thrilling places---"the devils this or that. The glory of evil is that it awakens us to the drama of life.

THE ART OF DRIFTING

2011-07-14T21:40:00.000-06:00

I MAY BE THE WORLD'S FORMOST DRIFTER---30 plus years experience. Here's how I would distinguish a drifter from a traveler.

A TRAVELER has a destination, an agenda, time constraints, enjoys PASSING scenery but usually cannot spontaneously stay the night with it.

A DRIFTER has direction (i.e. North), interests (in place of agenda), no time constraints, can sit with the scenery, even camp with it till he's had his fill. ----As I have poetized in these concluding verses of "A FULL SET OF STUFF":

Down back roads by lazy brooks

I take a nap or read my books;

Chase the wind, drift and roam:

let night overtake me everywhere home.

Live my life in a thousand places;

Share myself with a thousand faces;

drink in life till I've had enough,

Thanks to my rig and a full set of stuff.

To make my point I have selected a day in my life and will share my mental and physical experience. I will pick up my adventures where I left off before my long opine about the meaning of life.

Motorcyclist entering the parking lot of White Sands, National Monument---see the sands in the distance? I motorcycled for years and can tell you that they are not the freedom machines they are touted to be----because they lack the essential element of comfort. I see these glory boys checking into a $60 motel at days end---do the math in my head---and feel sorry for them. A far better solution for the serious traveler is to engineer a high mileage car for sleeping.
With a companion, I took a long walk in these dunes---so seemingly similar but radically different from sand dunes. We were told that there's no place like this in the world---so I decided to get the story.
It was a blustery day, but Luke loved the dunes--romping all over them. Here's their million year story in a nutshell---WITH A VERY SURPRISING ENDING. An ancient sea covered this land--laying down layers of this stuff---the land rose to a tilt--rains dissolved the gypsum and carried it to a low point---lake lucero. When the water evaporated it left crystals of the stuff (sometimes 3 ft). Winds break off grains and blow them into dunes. The dunes slowly move like waves on the ocean across the land. Then (here comes the drama that only a drifter learns) at the edge of the dune field (comprising a total 275 sq miles) THE STUFF DISAPPEARS. Yes you heard me right---it disappears. Here's why: gypsum grains are soft (# 2 on the hardness scale---your fingernail is 2.5) and as they move northeast (prevailing wind) in dunes, they erode, becoming smaller and smaller---till at the end of their journey---they become dust particles and blow away.

Leaving White sands, going east, I saw this patch of rich green beside the road and recognized it as SACRED DATURA----sometimes known as witches' weed or loco weed or Jimson weed ( from the song: " where the lonesome cattle feed on the lowly jimson weed")---stopped to get this picture. This plant intrigues me like rattlesnakes do---it is equally deadly and probably kills more victims. read about it: http://www.angelfire.com/indie/anna_jones1/datura.html

Moving on to Alamorgordo, (remember-closest city to the first atom bomb test) I opt to stay at Oliver Lee Memorial St Park--south of town.

Settled in on the mountainside, I survey the valley that Oliver Lee controlled. Got some of the story from the visitor center: He came to this frontier situation and by hook or crook rose to the top of the local power pyramid. An eccentric hermit named Frenchy lived at the mouth of Dog canyon, raising cattle and fruit trees---using the only reliable, year-round water supply. Lee wanted the water and after Frenchy was mysteriously murdered one night---got it.----I decide to go walk up the famous canyon.

But on my way there, I hear my named called out. These two friendly people recognize me----from reading this blog---a pleasant surprise--second time this month its happened. Meet Victor and Debbie, two super free spirits who live in that trailer and travel the roads of America--earning a living as traders on the internet.

I walk up the beautiful canyon a mile or so and photograph Luke in his Rin Tin Tin pose. Then As we rested by a pool---who should walk up but a historian---specializing in this area. He took the time to answer my questions. At days end we met a friendly astronomer with a big telescope who showed us lots of famous stars and galaxies. Thus ended one day of drifting.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I think drifting is an art requiring three essentials:

COMFORTS----A reasonable set of them---food, clothing, shelter--so you can linger anywhere.

CURIOSITY----About nearly everything--plants, animals, people, history, architecture, art etc.

COURAGE------to go, to ask, engage, research, challenge.

If either of these are missing then movement becomes meaningless. Combined, they will surely polish your being----which is your real gift to the world.

THE MEANING OF LIFE----MY BEST GUESS--PART 3--CONCLUSION

2011-07-08T16:19:00.000-06:00

To briefly review our cosmic situation: A mysterious big bang began our universe---energy condensed itself into matter and matter complexified itself to life---which evolved itself into ----US---self aware beings----who now understand much of the scientific WHAT of our origin and none of the emotional WHY of our destiny.----And thus we individually are--- forced to deal with the certainty of our own death--- our personal shortcomings--- and our hunger for meaning.

Those are the facts and that is the mystery that surrounds us. Courageous, thinking people deal with it every day---living lives of self-generated meaning. They are enlivened by the joys of CREATIVELY RESPONDING to our situation---somewhat like a unicycle rider who must forever adjust his balance, but loves and appreciates the challenge.

The unthinking and the cowardly live sheep-like lives. Four billion of them have swallowed their childhood indoctrination and doomed themselves to assorted miseries. They believe life is about OBEDIENCE to ancient laws--that ethics is REVEALED--not created by humans. We must deal with or dodge their doings.

HOW TO GENERATE PERSONAL MEANING: (the mental state of energized focus, full involvement and success in the process of the activity) Here is a better explanation than I can give. Click here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology))

IS THERE ANY COSMIC MEANING?? Any grand plan?? What is the overall point of the whole process?? No one knows---but millions guess. I'll share a few with you:

1. Christians generally suppose that God created the cosmos and us to express his love.

2. Islam says God creates as an act of mercy. sustains, guides and will someday judge us.

3. Jews don't know but are sure they play a special role in whatever God is up to.

4. Mormons think there may be millions of Gods and that we may become one too; creating planets and people like the God that created us. (i.e. creating worlds is a fun thing to do) I remind you that two presidential candidates actually believe this story. (God help us!)

5. Buddha boldly said he didn't know. (God bless him--the only honest religious founder) His disciples are not nearly so modest however---they speculate a desire for adventure was the reason.

MODERN GUESSES:

EXISTENTIALISM: Life has only the meaning you give it. You are free to create your own personality and happiness---or misery. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism

ATHEISM: Life has no grand meaning. There is no convincing evidence of Cosmic intent. Meaning is personally generated. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheism

MYSTICISM: It is possible to experience direct contact with the ground of being itself------- exhilerating beyond description and to receive subtle guidance for a wonderous life. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysticism
My friend Wayne Wirs is the best spokesman and embodiment of this position that I know:
http://waynewirs.com/2011/the-sequel-to-fading-toward-enlightenment/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheBlogOfWayneWirs+%28Wayne+%28Wirs%29%3A+Down-To-Earth+Enlightenment%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

Teilard de Chardin: the cosmos is a grand process where spirit condenses into matter and then evolves itself into spirit again. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Point Click here and be inspired with his vision.

Ray Kurtzweil: Inventor--futurist--hailed as the successor to Thomas Edison---sees an accellerating spiral of technology that is headed very quickly toward a wonderful "singularity". Let him tell you about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PWXrnsSrf0

F M Esfandiary: Futurist---Author of Upwingers---along with Chardin, one of my early mentors http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FM-2030

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I like these three visions and I urge my readers to give radical optimism a look. I think it is useful and inspiring to carry around in your head the very finest theory/vision of the future that thinkers have promulgated. I'd be interested in hearing about visionaries that inspire you.

And P.S. this wraps up my philosophical jag for awhile--I've been adventuring on the ground and will do a catch up report next.

THE MEANING OF LIFE----MY BEST GUESS---PART 2

2011-07-02T08:17:00.000-06:00

In part one I recommended new myths based on the best science available. It's tragic to see billions of people guide their lives with myths that fly in the face of scientific fact, (7 day creation e.g.) and myths that lead them to squander their energies and damage the earth. I will share a modern myth (story, vision) that might inspire you. I begin by reviewing the current
understanding of how we got here.
1. The cosmos began about 14 billion years ago---with a BANG. We don't know how or why.

2. Energy condensed into simple matter. (hydrogen) We don't know what either is. (though we do know how they behave)

3. Matter is attracted to matter by a mysterious force---gravity. We don't understand this force.
(we do know how it behaves)

4. Matter draws itself into balls, and when big enough--crush the matter at its core--releasing energy and a star is born.

5. Crushing hydrogen releases energy and creates helium. Crushing helium (fusion),releases energy and creates lithium. Fusing lithium creates berillium-----and so on--up the atomic scale of elements---to Iron. (Iron will not fuse in a star)

6. Very big stars are (relatively) short lived---become unstable and explode, (a super nova)
(creating in that instant all the heavier elements we are familiar with) and casting its variety of elements out into the cosmos in a vast cloud of matter.

7. The cloud of matter again draws itself together into a huge rotating disc with lumps forming at its center (second generation star) and further out in the disc. (proto-planets)

8. When the new star lights up, its radiating force blows away the lingering "dust" leaving a solar system--like ours, with planets rotating around a sun.

9. When conditions are just right--as on earth---life is possible. In about a billion years the various elements assembled themselves (somehow) into a living cell that could replicate itself.

10. Replication is imperfect--changes occur randomly--and beneficial (adaptive) ones survived. 11. Evolution slowly morphed simple organisms into more complex ones, finally producing US.

Thousands of dedicated scientist over the centuries have uncovered these truths for us. In a nutshell, WE ARE MADE OF STARSTUFF---matter has an inner urge to complexify itself--all the way up to the human brain--to self awareness--(and beyond?) This is the story of us--that science can tell. This is the "situation" we find ourselves in---deep mystery behind us and deep mystery in front of us. It's an amazing, beautiful, and awe inspiring story-----long on HOW --but absolutely empty on WHY----which is what we seem to crave. Only humans seem to care about the WHY.

Not surprisingly, thousands of people have stepped forward to satisfy that craving. (like "rainmakers" during a drought) They make up stories explaining creation, (how and why things came to be), morality tales about how we should behave and the consequences if we don't----stories about the end of time--heaven and hell---various afterlife scenarios----stories of Gods and goddesses---some come to earth to instruct us humans and rescue us etc. Some stories are written down---collected into books and declared to be "holy." Religions arise--to comfort us and control us.

Most intelligent people today do not believe their stories literally or accept the morality they convey as authoritative.

But when we lay all that aside---HOW DO WE (REASONABLE PEOPLE) COPE WITH THE ANXIETIES OF DEATH, GUILT AND MEANINGLESSNESS?

Here's what I do:

1. I boldly admit that I do not know any ultimate answers about origin, destiny, morality---
I acknowledge that I live in a mystery. I believe everyone lives in a mystery, whether they acknowledge it or not.

2. I EMBRACE THIS MYSTERY---as best I can--going about my life as courageously as possible---guided by my deepest intuition--inspired by modern myths/stories/visions/guesses. I do not find it painful to live in a mystery. Perhaps the world was designed to be uncertain---mysterious. Perhaps uncertainty produces better people than a dogmatic certainty.

3. I believe it is possible to be happy, despite having no ultimate answers. (The best book on this subject is entitled FLOW by Csikszentmihaly )

4. I believe we have a measure of freedom to create and improve ourselves---inspire others.

5. I "try on" various metaphysical theories--from time to time--like trying on a pair of glasses--to see how they affect me. Here's an example I find interesting:

Maybe existence is best explained as ETERNITY ADVENTURING IN TIME. Perhaps the Baghavad Gita got it right: God created the world to amuse himself by incarnating into matter---becoming all that is--galaxies, rocks, trees, animals, us ---in a fantastical drama where He's playing all the parts---but is able to deceive himself--so as to experience DRAMA: He created time to experience the interplay of urgencies. We are all bits of God enjoying himself---given a "role" (and some flexibility) as an actor---our challenge is to play our part with all the courage and gusto we can muster. Evil is wired into the game as "plot thickener". (to my friends: when you see me as an outrageous pot stirrer---I'm probably in "Gita" mode.

THE MEANING OF LIFE----MY BEST GUESS

2011-07-01T07:03:00.000-06:00

WHY IS THIS WORTH TALKING ABOUT?
Because it's the greatest of all mysteries. And because every sentient being on the planet to some degree is concerned about it. Humans have evolved a very big brain that is self aware and reflective---it ponders its own origin, purpose and destiny----and consequently suffers three fundamental ANXIETIES: DEATH----GUILT---MEANINGLESSNESS.

ANXIETY: a deep uneasiness of our being---(different from fear--which has an object--like fear of a snake or failure) ( humans cannot bear pure anxiety--they morph it into fear--inventing an object if necessary--to make it bearable)

ANXIETY OF DEATH: Knowing we are temporary--unease about our end.
ANXIETY OF GUILT: Knowing there is a gap between what we are and what we could be.
ANXIETY OF MEANINGLESSNESS: Feeling a need for something----around which to orient our lives----in terms of which to define ourselves----to which to give our energies.

WHAT IS LIFE?
Things that metabolize, replicate and evolve.

WHAT IS MEANING?
Significance, importance, intent, value. But that's not much help! What people are really asking is: 1. What, if anything, is the overall purpose of the universe? (metaphysics)
2. What, if anything, is expected/asked of me? (Ethics)

HOW HAS HUMANITY DEALT WITH ANXIETY?
By inventing religion: Mythical stories about our origin and destiny---Rituals that ease our guilt---and codes of conduct to ease our anxiety of meaninglessness.

HAS IT "WORKED"? WILL IT CONTINUE TO "WORK"? IF NOT---WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
To some degree, yes, it has worked: Humans coped with their anxieties---survived--multiplied---created elaborate cultures and eventually science. And no, it no longer "works" and even threatens to destroy our planet. (over population---war--ecocide) Science has shattered the myths---- and ethical codes need radical revision. The major world religions, Islam, Judiaism, Christianity---all pretend to have access to CERTAINTY. It is the CLASH OF "CERTAINTIES" that account for most of the current wars.

SO WHAT ARE YOU RECOMMENDING? AND WHAT'S YOUR METAPHYSIC AND ETHIC OF CHOICE?
I'm recommending humility---to all the religions of the world---STOP PRETENDING THAT YOU HAVE MYTHICAL AND ETHICAL CERTAINTY!

I'm recommending: 1. That we create new myths---BASED ON OUR BEST SCIENCE.
2. That we take responsibility for our ethics---admit that we are making it up as we go---that it may always need tweaking---free ourselves from cruel and outdated "holy book ethics."
That's enough for now---I'll complete my theory later.

THE JOYS OF SOLITARY DRIFTING

2011-06-22T13:57:00.000-06:00

I LEFT MY COMPANIONS AT OAK FLATS TO TRAVEL ALONE FOR AWHILE----An amazing experience to be adrift alone in the world---without destination. If I wished, I could go to Alaska----or Mexico. I feel a pang of emptiness as I leave but I've done this enough to know some good reasons for doing so: To reacquaint myself with serendippity ---garner new experiences---challenge my courage---look into myself---embrace responsibility---wake up creativity. Thoreau understood: "a reason to get together is to share experiences----a reason to separate is to get some new experiences to share." On a whim, I decide to visit the old mining town of Miami, Az---a shell of its former bustling self--abandoned by all but the elderly and the visionless. A shrinking town is like a sinking ship---best to abandon it. I've seen lots of them---Modina, Utah (wrote a poem about that one)---Helper, Utah---Vaughn, New Mexico----Corona, NM.

Look what I found in an alley--a classic RV---an ULTRAVAN--a miracle for its day--weighed only 3000 pounds--powered by a corvair engine--aircraft construction-had no frame-manufactured in Witchita, Kansas--got 20 mpg. There are about 50 of them left.

I know all this because I almost bought one. Something like this is the future of RV ing.

Some are trying to reinvent the town as an antique mecca.

like this guy selling Indian artifacts.

I travel on---settling at a casino outside Globe, Az----So happy for the emptiness that I stayed two days savoring it.

A "posse" of Porsches? Rolled in for the night---turns out they do this periodically to celebrate their cars and themselves for owning so fine a vehicle.

Walked around an RV park----these folks paid money to plug in to electricity. If you find yourself yearning for an RV like this---better re consider---they are a major pain in the ass---they in fact own their owners---are horrifically expensive to own and maintain. I have a friend with one this size---he is selling it and building himself a small cargo trailer to camp in.

Walked the area a bit---enjoying the sunset--

I noticed this as darkness fell---will investigate tomorrow.

Aaahhh yes---Geronimo, I presume. Beautifully done statue.

I moved on to Safford, Az---changed oil--stayed 2 nights at Walmart---walked the town--got hot---checked the map for an accessible mountain. I need to get UP to get cool. Luckily, just outside town is Mt Graham---11,000 ft--and a road up it.

I drive up, up, up, till I feel cool---and settle in---at about 7000 ft elevation. Find a great place to park---even have internet service here. This fine road and the trails and campgrounds furnished courtesy the CCC in the 1930's.

And it's free---can you believe it?

I settle in for the better part of a week---hiking and just sitting with my feet in a cool mountain stream

One day folks came with two horses and two mules--stayed the night--rode the trails and drove away next day

Another day I detached and drove further up. There are houses and people up here.

And heroes----this guy rode up 9000 ft to this point and was on his way to the top. I stand in awe of great bicyclist.

Hot down there in the valley.----chilly here. Air cools about 4 degrees per 1000 feet you climb. I've wondered if an insulated pipeline could draw this cool air down to the city and cool a large portion of it--naturally.
RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I URGE EVERYONE TO LIVE THE LIFE THEY HAVE IMAGINED! ( Thoreau) I believe it is the best way to be content--and ironically to contribute.

(and "all you ever wanted to do was contribute"---Werner Erhard )

I think I'm ready to share my take on the Meaning of Life.

HOW DOES A DRIFTER SPEND HIS DAYS?

2011-06-21T10:13:00.000-06:00

"TIME IS THE STREAM I GO FISHING IN" (THOREAU)----"TIME IS NOT MONEY---TIME IS EVERYTHING" (PAUL STYLES)Per some readers' requests---- Here's a couple of my days compressed. From the Lone Butte casino parking lot where I slept, parked among 15 others--I wake--make coffee (decaf), recruit a walking companion. We will walk the reservation fields. This spot is exactly where Phoenix ends and Indian land begins. To the left is a freeway.

Was glad to learn that this is reclaimed water put to good use. Briefly engaged the farmer who was very proud of his crop---a tad defensive of reservation land--but we charmed him with our listening skills.

Hay bales fascinate me---I've always wanted to stack myself a house and live cozily inside with the aroma. Once near El Centro, Ca I saw a guy do just that. These bales weigh 500 lbs each--alfafa.

Luke digs like mad for the rabbit--but he's wasting his time.

A Series of abandoned buildings to investigate. I love piecing together the story from the debris.

Back at the parking lot I notice this----Am I in the mood to engage a believer?--(one of my hobbies) welllll----yes. Here goes---

An hour later---we have "done the dance" ----a familiar whirl for me---but for this nice man from Holland ---a first. Most believers of whatever stripe rarely get to confront the "enemy"----a reverse missionary---someone trying to better the world by diminishing belief in religion. I offered those two books: LETTER TO A CHRISTIAN NATION and THE END OF FAITH--both by Sam Harris--for his consideration. To my surprise he took the former and read it overnight.

Next morning I think I detected a thoughtful soberness. I have no qualms about delivering the message of healthy doubt and skepticism to believers. (I believe everyone should question his indoctrination) Wanna know how I confront believers? click on this:

http://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2008/09/king-of-kodgers-confronts-preacher.html

The genteman and his wife---nice people. We parted on a friendly note. Not always possible when "doing my work".

In the afternoon we took a short drive to witness this. The real thing still rolling.

Saw this on a shopping trip--Of course I had to stop and challenge them.

Turns out they are Catholics on a crusade. They are picketing a planned parenthood clinic---opposed to BIRTH CONTROL as well as ABORTION. Wow---do I need to say more about the damage that religion causes. Some of you may remember when I got serious into the face of these "believers":

http://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2009/09/kodger-king-konfronts-krazies.html

Chatted briefly with this guy--long enough to remind him of the harm of an overpopulated world and unwanted babies. (It was as useless as urinating on a turtle)

It was hot---3 of us "saddled up" and headed for the cool mountains. Ahead are the infamous Superstitions.

We stop to experience an abandoned tunnel---wonderfully cool inside.

Beyond the old mining town of Superior, Az we arrive at the terrific campground of Oak flats---5000 ft elevation ---16 degrees cooler than Phoenix.

I wander around--meeting my neighbors---this couple from Canada. Their rig is unique--- home- built on the body of a minivan. (17 mpg) lovely inside.

I sense a story here!

Sure enough---I've met another vagabond poet. Has written hundreds of poems. Shared a few with me. Has wife and kids but gets away occasionally for solitary travel and inspiration.

He sleeps here. Stashes his stuff in cardboard boxes. A poignant reminder of the appeal of the open road experience----people will make do with scant accomodations to be "out here" adventuring.
POSTSCRIPT: Hopefully this will give you some idea of my unpredictable days. I stayed a few days in this campground with my friends, then detached to do some solitary wandering. Will pick up on that story next. I've not forgotten my promised essays on How I got to be this way and my guess at the meaning of life. They are simmering in my brain.

WHY WEINER SHOULD NOT RESIGN---HIGH TIME TO DECRIMINALIZE THE MALE SEXUAL LIBIDO.

2011-06-14T23:12:00.000-06:00

1. We need him. He is the best congressional spokesman for the sensible single payer health care system. He has the cajones (pun intended) to stand up to the greedy health care moguls who are bankrupting the nation and call for a sensible comprehensive system--like Australia and other civlized countries.

2. He has injured no one (except possibly his wife) and has broken no laws. (a frank conversation with an intelligent --open-minded partner--would likely clear the matter up quickly)

3. What he's done is not perverted or wierd. He is seeking sexual gratification electronically---a new and wonderfully diverse addition to the sensual spectrum.

4. This is a seminal moment for America to move beyond its hipocritical naivete about male sexual wiring. Consider this fragment from one of my longer poems entitled WHAT EVERY MARTIAN NEEDS TO KNOW:

Men---like mighty studs and stallions
Have an inborn driving need
to charm a lot of maidens
and scatter lots of seeds.

But these ladies here from Venus
have a different agenda.
They only want a single mate
and a cozy hacienda.

So love and sex are apples and oranges
to us Martian males,
but women won't have them separately;
they insist on fruit coctail.

Nature has thrown us a cross-purpose curve;
the solution's still in doubt.
Couple's must find a way to work
this contradiction out.

5. And Modern--intelligent couples are doing just that: finding a way to work the contradiction out. Hillary Clinton is seemingly at peace with Bill's nature. It is not unthinkable that Mrs Weiner could come to terms with Anthony's little hobby.

6. A really bright female that I consulted this afternoon offered this insight: We don't really know the true nature of unfettered, unscripted female sexuality. Once freed of irrational social custom, the two sexes may find that their sex drives are ballpark-compatable.
She added: Custom constriction causes unmet needs---which cause apetite distortions---like promiscuity, perversion and prudishness.

7. Weiner's photos and e-mails are not out of the ballpark. I suspect that none of the people nagging him to resign could withstand sudden exposure of their predilections. Really wonderful people have had sexual tastes contrary to the conventional norm----Benjamin Franklin---Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Leonardo Da Vinci and a thousand others you admire.

8. What we need is to stop damaging our childrens natural impulses by unreasonable social
custom and shame. Unmet needs and raging frustration have headline-making consequences.

9. Early polling suggest that the majority of his constituents do not want him to resign. I'm hoping he rides this out---like Barney Frank did and even David Vitter from Louisiana.

10. I dare any woman in America to learn how the reindeer herds in Lapland were made tame (hint: they consistently killed off the feisty ones)----and to ask themselves if they really want tame leadership. Smart women will work with us to remove the shame---diminish the need to lie and preserve the glory of feisty "REINDEER".

Thanks for listening---wanted to get this off my chest.

WHAT IT COST ME TO LIVE LAST MONTH

2011-06-12T18:40:00.000-06:00

Three readers of my last post have asked that I detail my living expenses for a month----because 4 to 600 dollars a month seems ridiculously cheap. So --OK--here goes---as best I can calculate.
Satellite TV programming----------------------27.00
Satellite radio-------------------------------13.00
Cell Phone-----------------------------------25.00
Propane--------------------------------------30.00
Park camping pass (amortized)----------17.00
gas-------------------------------------------120.00
Food----------------------------------------200.00
Insurance-----------------------------------30.00

total----------------------------------------462.00

I'm fortunate that I don't have to live this frugally---It's just that I can---while enjoying most of the amenities of modern life. I'm also fortunate not to have medical cost: (VA)

The lesson I hope these numbers impart is that it is now possible for millions to live the fantasy life. That millions are needlessly working-----they have enough money now---and don't realize it.
I also hope these numbers prove that it is the cost of HOUSING that is impoverishing America.
(here's my rant on that subject written years ago

http://mobilecodgers.blogspot.com/2008/02/housemania.html

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: Across America, I see BUTTERFLY SOULS-- fully morphed, wings spread, capable of flight----feeling the call of open skies----YET STUCK---in houses, jobs, conventionality, fear, dead relationships, old habits, crazy religion! I say to you all: "Come--travel with me---however sweet these laid up stores, however convenient this dwelling---We cannot remain here. However calm these waters, however secure this harbor---we must not anchor here. Together, the inducements shall seem greater---We shall sail wild and pathless seas---We will go where the winds blow, waves dash---and the Yankee Clipper speeds by under full sail.
Forward---after the great companions---and to belong to them---they too are ON THE ROAD. Onward---to that which is endless---as it was beginningless. To undergo much--tramps of days and rests of nights. To see nothing anywhere, but what you can reach it--and pass it. To look up or down no road--but it stretches and waits for you. To know the universe itself as a road---as many roads---as roads for TRAVELING SOULS." (Walt Whitman)

LIVE THE FUTURE NOW----IN NEW MEXICO

2011-06-08T19:24:00.000-06:00

I'M DOING IT----AND MAYBE YOU CAN TOO!!
When citizens come to their senses---literally---we will begin to live like this:
1. The burden of food, clothing, shelter will be reduced to insignificance.
2. We will have all the free time we want;
3. All the adventure we can generate;
4. All the companionship we can attract;
5. Enjoy the weather we prefer almost all the time;
6. Live ridiculously cheap;
7. Move to new and interesting places whenever we choose;
8. Enjoy the full range of electronic connectedness;
9. Powering our lifestyle with the sun;
10. Free from most of the tedious distractions to discovering WHO WE REALLY ARE--WHAT WE WANT AND WHAT WE WISH TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.

Thousands already enjoy such a lifestyle and you probably can too. Here's how:
a. Arrange for an income stream of at least $600 a month. (some do it on $400)
b. Buy or build some kind of mobile domicile. (At a minimum, your car and a tent will suffice. A trailer or motor home is super luxurious)
c. Purchase a New Mexico parks pass ($225 per year) and enjoy any or all of 31 lovely campgrounds---scattered statewide---with amenities such as hot showers etc. (google New Mexico State Parks pass for details)

I found some of those thousands here at my first stop---City of Rocks State Park between Deming and Silver City.

Settling in among the stonehenge-like rocks for 10 days.

Trails everywhere---

And then one day I had a visitor:

Meet Glenn---Musician, Philosopher, Adventurer and fellow blogger. This is one terrific guy--If ever I were to envy anyone--it would be him. Check out his blog:

http://www.tosimplify.net/

And then a phlock of Philosopher/Adventurer friends joined me for several hours of wonderful conversation. I believe everyone really wants to engage in- depth on meaningful subjects. Most have simply never tried. What we talk about is WHAT IS THE GOOD LIFE and how to achieve it.

And when they left -- Lucas came to visit me. My cup runneth over!

Then---moving on to Caballo state Park---settling alongside Caballo lake.

Then to this strange place----White Sands National Monument. That's pure white gypsum you're seeing--not conventional sand. Lucas came along---loved playing in the sand.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: New Mexico is leading the way for other states with its park pass system and in so doing is facilitating a new lifestyle. Slowly, slowly, it is dawning on folks that what they really want is sufficiency, freedom, simplicity and society----and all that---can be had for a pittance.

Slowly, slowly people are understanding that a house is a trap----a life squeezing, immobilizing trap that cost too much time and money. At our core, we are spiritual beings and nothing material CAN satisfy us. The "good stuff" and the good life are intangibles: a free and inquiring mind, the affection of others, learning, sharing, experiencing.

Myself and my fellow travelers are living proof that you need not live immobilized, in debt or in drudgery.

"Come---travel with us--together the inducements shall seem greater" (Whitman)

THE JOYFUL ALTERNATIVE TO (CONVENTIONAL) RELIGION

2011-05-30T14:07:00.000-06:00

Conventional religion teaches: That there is a God--who loves us---sends prophets--inspires authoritative books or men--sometimes inspires us directly---establishes churches--has incarnated (became flesh)---expects obedience/adoration--will send us to hell if we don't believe.

Here's how I see the situation and what I recommend: We all wake up in the middle of a mystery---not really knowing any ultimate answers about ORIGIN or DESTINY. ( How the universe began and what is our place in it.)

Adults feed us their "take" on these two questions and most of us "buy into" their story. (or occasionally some other prevalent story.) And we then live our lives more or less within that version of reality.

I SAY IT IS A DISHONORABLE WASTE OF LIFE TO LIVE IT IN SERVICE TO ANY LOCAL MYTH. ( as inappropriate as grown-up birds still feeding on the regurgitation of their parents.) Here's my idea of a joyful alternative:

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE ORIGIN OF RELIGION. You can get the gist of it in minutes by googling the origin of religion. It becomes clear how it evolved from magic, superstition, animism, totems, traditional tales and finally into full blown metaphysical theories.

2. WAKE UP TO THE FACT THAT WE LIVE IN A MYSTERY. (Re:origin and destiny)

3. EMBRACE THE MYSTERY. Consider that it may have been designed that way--mysterious--as an intentional, possibly pleasurable, adventurous, growth producing, loving--gift to us. Get comfortable with not knowing any ultimate answers---develop an heroic tolerance for ambiguity.

4. USE EINSTEIN'S TECHNIQUE---THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS---to explore some possibilities. (he imagined himself riding a light beam and discovered a new "take" on physics.)

5. IMAGINE NEW POSSIBILITIES regarding our origin and destiny:

a. What if----God disappeared itself INTO THE UNIVERSE---condensing itself into matter--becoming galaxies, stars, planets, people---just for the grand adventure of slowly evolving matter back into spirit. Creation/evolution. (Hinduism? Pantheism?) Imagine your place in that scheme. (e.g., help push evolution forward)

b. Imagine that God bypasses Prophets and Holy books to personally guide each of us in our journey. (a subtle small voice within us) (Wayne's take on the matter?)

c. Imagine that there are not one but two primary forces at work in the world---at war with each other---each vying for your soul. (Zoroastrianism---my friend Gr?)

d. Imagine that there is no God---no human destiny. How would you spend your time?

e. Imagine that there is a God but he doesn't intervene in the world--no messages--no miracles--just watches the drama unfold. (Deism?)

EXPERIMENT WITH YOURSELF. Imagine a theory that appeals to you and try it on for size. Live for a time "as if" that theory were true. Does it feel right? Does it work for you? Does it need a bit of tweaking? Tweak it. If it doesn't feel "right" try another. Try living as if there were no God---How does that feel.

TWEET YOUR RESULTS: Share your experiences with your friends--with the world. Someone might have useful suggestions.

CONCLUSION: Believing is a cowardly cop out from the challenge of engaging mystery. The Joyful alternative to (conventional religion) is to create your own religion/philosophy. Join the rest of us freethinking/experimenters as we do for religion what wikipedia has done for data. We all join in the process of improving (or abandoning perhaps) metaphysics.
We have all been victimized by bad metaphysical/religious theories. Preachers, Prophets and Priest have lied to us with pretensions of certainty and "revealed" ethics. I say we can take these matters of ultimate concern into our own hands; that obedience to "Gods Will" is not as interesting a life as creative responsiveness to this dazzling mystery.

WHAT'S SO TERRIBLY WRONG ABOUT RELIGION AND WHAT IS THE JOYFUL ALTERNATIVE

2011-05-23T18:12:00.000-06:00

RELIGION'S GREAT WRONG IS THAT IT IMPEDES THE FLOW OF ETHICS. (It aso exacerbates the tribalization of humanity and stimulates wars) Follow this reasoning:

BELIEVING THERE IS A GOD---IS NOT THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM. Even sensible people sometimes suspect or hope there may be intent---even purpose --in the universe---AND NO HARM IS DONE.

BELIEVING THAT GOD SENDS "MESSAGES"----THAT IS THE PROBLEM!

Almost all religions believe that GOD SENDS MESSAGES: In the form of "Holy Books" or Prophets or other "revelations".

THESE "MESSAGES" OFTEN CONFLICT---generating wars, social tension, imposing cruelty, irrationality, racism, and restraining social and scientific progress.

Do I need to prove this to you? (Islam: 4 wives permitted/ Christianity: Only one--at a time)

(Judiaism: God gave Palestine to the Jews//Islam: God gave palestine to Islamist!)

(Islam: Believing that Jesus is God is idolatry---punishable by hell )
(Christianity: not believing that Jesus is God----punishable by hell )

IT IS POSSIBLE TO BELIEVE IN GOD WITHOUT BELIEVING IN "MESSAGES" FROM GOD----It is called DEISM---Its what lots of people believe---Thomas Jefferson for example. (the notion that God created the world and endowed humanity with the wisdom to guide itself.)

BELIEVING THAT GOD SENDS " MESSAGES"--FREEZES/IMPEDES ETHICAL EVOLUTION--Can you see why?--- If God sends books or prophets with messages (and rules)about how we should live---then they are eternally valid, absolute and unchangable. Yet human history proves that ethics slowly evolves--and needs to--as situations change--and as our moral sympathy grows. In just one lifetime we have seen our notions of right and wrong change. ( womens right to vote, sex before marriage, divorce, homosexuality etc)

Over and over---religious believers have to be dragged into the new ethical understanding. (The Mormons having to be "dragged" away from polygamy and racism. The Southern Baptist dragged away from supporting slavery. Catholics being dragged toward birth control--divorce etc. (Today in Malta--the people are voting whether Divorce will be legal---only they and the Philipines still forbid by law) Every religion eventually arrives at a fork in the road where its REVEALED ETHICS is in conflict with good sense and the current FABRIC OF AGREEMENT.

I say it loud and clear: ETHICS IS NOT REVEALED---IT IS MADE-UP/CREATED BY HUMANS--IT GROWS OUT OF OUR RELATIONS WITH ONE ANOTHER--AND IT SLOWLY EVOLVES. ---usually for the better---we are today far more sensitive to the rights and feelings of others than in the past. Holy book ethics---"REVEALED" ETHICS IS A CRUEL OBSTRUCTIVE FORCE. Nowhere is this clearer than in Islamic societies: How long will the civilized world allow fanatical sons-o-bitches to opress women.

RANDY EXPLAINS: There are about 27 major "Holy Books" purporting to tell us--among other things---what is right and wrong---and how best to live our lives. They are all a lie and a trap:

They lie about their authority---people wrote them all---out of their own imagination--and what they tell and prescribe is no more or less valid than human imagination. They have no divine authority!

They trap millions--even billions--into ridiculous belief systems that---inhibit progress--foster cruelties--waste time and resources---clash with each other---distract us from more joyful, interesting lives. Oh please sweet people---read THE END OF FAITH by Sam Harris. It is a work of Genius.

I close (for today) with a list and a promise: A list of some of the "Holy Books"--claiming divine inspiration---and a Promise to complete this essay with my notion of a joyful alternative to believing this---stuff.

The Bible, The Koran, The Bagavad Gita, The Talmud, The Upanishads, The Vedas, The Book Of Mormon, The Urantia Book, Science and Health with key to the Scriptures, The Avestas of Zarathustra, Kitab-I-Aqdas, Adi-Granth, A Course in Miracles, etc.

INTERVIEW WITH AN HYPERSEXUAL--ONE WOMAN'S JOURNEY

2011-05-18T15:43:00.000-06:00

Picturewise, this is all I'm permitted to show. I think she enjoyed male reaction as she shopped wearing this slinky gown. We met on line---chatted our way past conventionalities and began to talk sex---but not what you might expect. This lady knew something about men that few know---possessed an incredible power to arouse--and had evolved her personal moral code to a new level. We became friends and she slowly yielded to my curiosity---how had she learned all that and what did she intend to do with her powers? Her response: Simply find my mate and be happy.

Now she says she has found him but graciously consented to answer a few pivotal questions for us. I will share that exchange with you after I have set it up.

She's 50, twice divorced, 2 kids and had no lovers while she raised them, never enjoyed sex with her husbands----but resolved to wake up her sensuality after reading the book: THE GOOD GIRLS GUIDE TO BAD GIRL SEX.

With the kids grown she began to enjoy on line connections with men. Patterns began to emerge and the mental side of sex became increasingly clear. And then one day she discovered that her special body exercises had yielded a pleasant surprise: She was multi-orgasmic. Almost at will she could climax herself. Then by phone and internet she began to exchange pleasures with men. She developed the skill of intuitive listening--especially for the hidden hungers buried inside men. Given the right "space" a guy will reveal his quirks. (we all have quirks) "Space giving" is trusted, non judgemental listening. Mix with this-- some playful, "scenario catalyzing" and ecstasy looms into view.

But wait!----there is more-- She also discovered by accident that men who suspect that their partner is not exclusive with them---- will experience an odd blend of powerful emotions---anxiety and super arousal. She learned how to skillfully "play this card" for maximum effect.
(google cuckold fantasy for a fuller explanation)(further research will explain how this wierd bit of evolutionary wiring into males makes sense from the genes point of view--their only desire is to replicate themselves)

With these --"pleasure powers" at her command--she could aim at almost any man and "have" him. And for a time she just enjoyed herself--pointing her pleasure beam at a lucky handful of men. (And yes--she bestowed the pleasure gift on me) (Ah, the things I do for my readers)

Then she turned her attention to mate finding--and apparantly succeeded.

One more thing before the interview: I say she's a hypersexual as a compliment---In the same sense that I would call a Navy Seal a hypersailor.

THE INTERVIEW:

Q. Do you think that being Multi-orgasmic is just a lucky break--genetically speaking or did you train your body?
A. Not a lucky break. After all the years of celibacy, in 2010 I decided to do research on dating. During that research I found information that I could put to use---and trained my body to respond. I had the ability all the time---just wasn't aware.

Q. Do you think many other women could "liberate" themselves physically and mentally?
A It's not impossible for any woman to do the same thing. However, they have to be willing to make changes and have an open mind----And make the changes for themselves---not for the opposite sex. I don't believe I'm any more "highly sensual" than other women---but am receptive: know how to apply and use the knowledge.

Q. On balance, are your special skills a plus or a minus?
A. A plus--If you are open minded and know how to use them.

Q. Why did you tell your guys that they must share you? And did it surprise you when it had the effect of "turbo charging" sex talk.
A. My reason for saying that, was to find out exactly what I wanted, find out what type of men were available, not tie anyone down to a relationship, and not hurt anyone in the process. I also found, many men are jealous and possessive and looking for one woman (and I was looking for one man).

Q.Are you ready now for monogamy? Do you think you could be enduringly satisfied with one guy?
A. Monogamy was always my goal. But I cannot deal with male insecurity (in long term relationship), jealousy, or possessiveness. I've found the man I've been looking for. A woman who is 'turbo-sexed' realizes that every minute of her day does not have to revolve around sexual intimacy. It can be a touch, a smile across a room full of people at a party, arm around your waist, even just a touch of two hands. The right person will cause that shiver of pleasure, and he will know...as she will.
Q. Do you think you've learned things that might be useful to other women in turbo charging their sex lives?
A. My favorite book and the one that got me started was...Good Girls Guide to Bad Girl Sex. Don't have name right now of author - Anyone can do what I did...but you have to have a different mind set, morals, and open to change.

RANDY COMMENTS: Kudos to this brave woman and friend for rising from celibacy to joyful sensuality----for breaking shackles of outmoded moral notions---blazing trail to new pleasures.

THE PASSING OF CONTAINER CHARLIE

2011-05-16T22:05:00.000-06:00

THE SLAB'S MOST INTERESTING CHARACTER DIES OF NATURAL CAUSES. Received word yesterday that this most colorful character died 5/5/11. His story astounds me and I think has something to teach us all. I've gathered from my archives this gallery of pictures--and as I show them will tell you why I am celebrating his life and contribution.
This shot is from a 2009 lecture/tour Charlie gave to a group of about 40. Behind him is the famous insulated container he had shipped from the coast and in which he lived for a long time.

Charlie was lost, in spirit, when he came to the Slabs---attached himself briefly to another Slab artist --but soon decided to stake a claim for himself and make a home here at the "end of the world"

Choosing a most unpromising spot---a one acre pile of trash---he began to build his base. Cleaning up the trash--incorporating much of it into an assortment of folk art pieces. Here's his kitchen in 2009.

A gaggle of visitors on tour through his house.

Two of his art cars.

Slowly he got physically comfortable and began his grand project of building an art museum around his house. This is the Eastern entrance.

In time various friends would donate unusual objects such as the whirlygig and geodesic dome.

He was smart--friendly and well spoken---here conducting a Q&A session.

I think he intended his pagoda as a never-to-be-finished project---forever changing.

I am hard pressed to know what Charlie wished to say to the world--but he had lots of definite ideas.

He was a spectacular accumulator---somehow acquiring this massive array of batteries---which he kept charged with a huge array of solar panels.

RANDY POETIZES:

REMEMBERING CONTAINER CHARLIE

He was lost and he came to the Slabs;

Came to the end of the earth.

Lost souls cluster here:

Less lost for being together.

He staked his claim in a pile of trash:

Made art from junk.

Gave name --and even fame

to East Jesus Museum.

Morphed rubbish into spectacle

fashioned whimsey from his mind;

and thousands beat a path to his door.

He did no harm,

He had his say;

He kept his brain alight

in a very dim corner.

Forged an identity

Won respect.

Here's to Charlie:

He found himself in a pile of trash,

and found himself----in a pile of trash.

ADVENTURES IN A PARKING LOT

2011-05-15T00:46:00.000-06:00

Casino parking lot--(Desert Diamond--Tucson, Az)--Campers roll in and claim their spot--(most prefer the edge)--We will stay the night--or perhaps 10 nights---We wish to camp free of charge---because we are self contained---do not need the services campgrounds sell---That's me up front---and behind me--a pleasant surprise---a lady friend from a northern forest---who, incidentally, found this rig for me and even negotiated its price. I hope to return a favor.

Lots of rigs roll in before dark and instant community is established. We walk the area and even a mile into the nearby desert for exercise.

Surprise guest drop by---the motorcyclist is Harlan--from Alaska--you've met him elsewhere on this blog and Doug, a member of my tribe---the WINs--( www,rvsingles.org )

A beautifully restored bus from the 40's. They've been camping all over Mexico.

Some prefer whoppers---like this combo.

Trailer carries their car--a boat--and 2 motorcycles. The thought of maintaining all that--horrifies me.

This is a managable package---nice guy and his dog live full time in it.

A tougher way to go---not very comfortable---but doable. Long term living in a car--sadly--is increasing. With a few adjustments one can manage quite well. (remove 3 seats--platform in a bed---screen the windows for ventilation and use aluminum sun shields to block light and prevent overheating. I met a guy who'd lived many years in a carefully engineered falcon car.

Meet Frank---an alert, cheerful, parking lot camper--who--amazingly has lived 30 years in that van---He proudly showed us its gleaming 427 cu in engine.

Look more closely at him---can you see that he has his dignity--his independence. He has things to do places to go--books to read---He cost the taxpayers little or nothing. This may well be my future---and I will embrace it as a far better end game than nursing home care.

And this cheerful guy--is up and doing---skinned a rattlesnake--see it hanging---is making a leather jacket---has a tiny puppy for a companion--is solar powered--is excited about upcoming improvements to his modest home---WHICH HE BUILT HIMSELF.

This guy finds meaning relating in his head with an imaginary friend. No different , really, than James Stewart in the movie Harvey. He's straightforward, however, and when you relate with such as him--you know what you're getting.

This is a scary guy---notice the "boundaries" he has posted---that chair on the left and the motorcycle on the right define his space--he announced that no one should park near him.

Some loners like him are filled with anger and suspicion---I sense them with my radar and leave them alone.

I call it a night after an evening stroll with my lady friend. We celebrate our good fortune to be living so free and enjoying these western sunsets.

An early morning visitor---a roadrunner--very bold--and clear about its food preferences---no bread!---meat only please. It kills and eats rattlesnakes.

This guy showed up also--a Javalina---3 of them actually---didn't try to feed them.

This was my big surprise---a real live Gila Monster--right under my doorstep--lying still--and unafraid---the first I've ever seen in the wild--I've heard they are endangered and protected by law---are mildly poisionous if they bite you. It strolled away into the bushes. What a thrill!

As if I needed more attention from wild creatures, this little bird flew into my rig and sat on my couch for a picture-----then flew away.

RANDY RUMINATES----I love camping in parking lots----I'm totally comfortable at Wal-Mart , at Casinos as well as in the Boondocks. Solar power frees me to enjoy the serendipitous companionship of human and animal friends.

PREVIEWS OF COMING OUTRAGES

2011-05-09T12:37:00.000-06:00

lIVING INTEFERES WITH REPORTING-----I'm waay behind in reporting by at least 9 essays---hope to catch up in a month or so. Blogging is a great hobby for me---gives me that extra bit of motivation to probe deeper---capture the moment with camera---ponder the principles. Conventionally speaking my life has been a waste---and I now stand like a man on the gallows with little to gain or lose---I might as well speak my mind---for whatever good or ill or humor it may provoke. Here--in no particular order--are my upcoming--SHORT-- essays.
1. INTERVIEW WITH A HYPERSEXUAL--- An exhilerating experience sure to disturb the moralist.
2. MY STORY IN A NUTSHELL---how I got to be this way.
3. PRECISELY WHY RELIGION IS SUCH AN EVIL.
4. THE MEANING OF LIFE-----MY BEST GUESS.
5. WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE TO RELIGION?
6. DOWN ON THE BORDER---PART 4
7. NEW MEXICO BLAZES TRAIL TO A NEW LIFESTYLE.

A RAGE AGAINST GREEDY, WHIMPERING OLD AGE

2011-05-06T19:14:00.000-06:00

I ASK YOU AMERICA: ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WE BECOME?? SHOULD WE BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE?? Down there is a small town---and I've got a project in mind: Go engage some old people and see how I feel about the experience. This morning I found myself momentarily trapped in a grocery store behind a doddering old geezer. I got annoyed at his wheezing obstructiveness wishing he would get the hell out of my way---and out of everybody's way. As I passed him, I noticed that he was likely younger than me. I tried to talk to him and discovered he coundn't speak any better than he could walk. My irritation increased--- And the above questions flashed in my mind. ---Hence my resolve to do some first hand research.

My first stop is the senior center---having lunch with them ($3) and engaging several of them before and after the meal.

Not a bad lunch as you can see.

I took this surreptitious photo because I think it shows a general dispiritedness.

Try as I may, I could not find a sense of humor or a love of life. These souls are not polished---these personalities do not sparkle---I detected no reservoirs of wisdom.
Then I went to a nursing home----walked around---looked---talked--and came out quietly enraged.

RANDY RANTS-----HOW DARE ALL THESE PEOPLE ARRIVE AT OLD AGE WITH SO LITTLE TO SHOW FOR A LIFETIME OF LIVING. HOW DARE THEY COME GIMPING INTO OLD AGE, HARD OF HEARING, SLOW OF MIND, CRANKY, UNGRACIOUS, NEEDY---AND PLOP THEIR WRETCHED ASSES ON SOCIETY'S DOORSTEP TO BE LOOKED AFTER IN GRAND STYLE. I fantasized entering the nursing home with a whip---Jesus like--and drive most of them into the street. I am outraged at what it cost to keep these geezers in a nursing home---and even more outraged at what it cost to give them end-of-life medical treatment. They are evil for allowing this kind of money to be spent on them and we are morally blind for doing it. Collectively, they are bankrupting america. I think we all should live frugally and die frugally.
PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THEY BECOME. We all have a shot at becoming a well rounded personality--77 years on average--- to learn life's lessons---become---smart--alert--funny--wise---into our nineties and beyond. Buckminster Fuller, Frank Lloyd Wright for example and you probably know old people who have not lost their mind or their health or their dignity.
ADDENDUM: RANDY'S SUGGESTIONS FOR DEALING WITH DISABLED ELDERLY:

1. CREATE A FOSTER CARE SYSTEM FOR THEM. (google foster care for the elderly---Saves 2/3 the cost ---gives employment for many now unemployed and the added value of living within the embrace of a family-------see NY Times article 3/8/94)

2. Legally give people the right to die if they wish by assisted suicide. (Oregon law plus) (currently if the health care system gets you in its grip--it won't let go)

3. Change people's attitude toward death---seen as natural-or-a new adventure or Heaven, reincarnation or just moving on. (google near death experiences---note their insights.

4. Create Death Panels---yes!---for the tough cases like Terry Shivo--a body of experts who can assist families see situations rationally.

DELTA DAWN------WITH A DIFFERENCE!!!

2011-04-27T14:20:00.000-06:00

YOU REMEMBER THE SONG: "Delta Dawn whats that flower you have on? Could it be a faded rose from days gone by?".....A story of a heartbroken and abandoned woman so shattered that she lost her mind then wandered aimlessly around town with a suitcase---waiting in vain for her lover to come. WELL----I MET A REAL LIVE DELTA DAWN ---BUT WITH A VERY DIFFERENT ENDING----THAT LIFTED MY HEART AND MADE ME CHEER.
I drifted a few days ago into a small New Mexico town--- settled into this empty lot---and walked around with my senses alert. I make it my destiny to detect useful drama----and I soon catch wind of a powerful story: Of a tiny uneducated mexican lady married 20 years to a man she made wealthy with her dilligent labor--- then was tricked into signing away her legal rights-- kicked into the streets with only a pick-up truck to live in. Worse yet, the stress brought on a debilitating stroke and for a long time she just barely clings to life and sanity on the mean streets of this small town. As with Delta Dawn---everybody knew! AND THEN----AND THEN-- She physically and mentally improved a bit....noticed a junker house selling for a song----made a deal to buy it---got a job cleaning toilets---and soon had a place to live. Working 2 jobs, she slowly renovated the place and leveraged it to buy a junker 4 plex. Life began to have purpose again. And Then a whole half block of abandoned store buildings came up for sale-----and she bought them with almost nothing down and a promise to pay. I will go find this lady and hopefully catch her spirit.

I found the old stores--4 of them--now conglomerated into one.

With minimal exterior fixing---

and this more-than-appropriate name. (I smiled at the misspelled word )

Meet Rosie---a heroine of hope and self healing---a bootstrap visionary, entrepeneur and even (as you will see) an empire builder.

She stocked an empty store with 300,000 items---all these screws and bolts.

Used items--tires wheels--household items

Row upon row of hardware ---she put every single piece in place.

one whole wing is a thrift store.

Next door a truck and lumber yard.

It had no roof---till she built it---personally rebuilding trusses, nailing down roof panels----THEN covering it all with tar paper and roofing-----it doesn't leak.

She poses with me----so tiny a bundle of indefatigable energy---and WILL. By comparison I am a lazy lazy bum unworthy of the hug she gave me.

BUT WAIT----THERE IS MORE--- I went home -- pondered this blythe spirit---decided I needed to know more. Next day, I tracked her down at her Motel----HER MOTEL??? Yes she bought a delapidated 51 room motel and began restoring it----painting, carpeting, tiles, tvs etc. 21 of the rooms are functional. She showed me the whole thing---a staggering project for one person to undertake. She is undaunted. She serves me tea while I ask the deeper questions.

She has never told her story she said--when I had finished. She wept once relating painful

details. What I want to know is the secret to her will, vision and energy. Later I will sumarize the story and share my guesses.

A glory shot-----she celebrates her motel. Now she can houses the "team" she is assembling-to help her in the next phase of her empire. (Several workers--including her son)

She has plans for this old swimming pool-----to roof it and make a sunken tea room with fountain.
Here's her background: Born in Mexican town near Chihuahua; 2nd of 8 kids --given to her aunt to raise--then returned to a stern mother when the aunt died. As a child she sold ice cream then operated a horse and buggy transporting stuff and helped her father build an adobe house. At about 15 she slipped into the US at Douglas, Az and made her way to Benson where she got a job with her husband-to-be. Eventually they were married for 28 yrs producing one son. She worked unceasing for her husband and they got rich---perhaps a half million--sold out, moved to this town where the wretched husband played his dirty trick and absconded with the money, putting her on the street.

RANDY PHILOSOPHIZES: I don't know why some people sink and some swim. I'm betting it's a long string of cumulative accidents that shaped our character. I'm convinced, however, that it's easier than we suspect to facilitate great personal strength in kids and in adults---that we can "catch" admirable qualities from our intrepid friends. I think Religion and other cultural forces often intefere. I was saddened that this lady avoids love interest and seemingly never plays. I was touched by her undefensiveness.