Do I get a Refund?

Instigating is an art, one I used to practice regularly in bars. Long ago. I gave it up when I gave up drinking. Even so, once in awhile I get the urge. If I could instigate a philosophically sound revolution, I would. The trouble is, most people who are up for such a thing are nutcases and have no more grasp of logic and philosophy than do the powers that be.

Today, I am wondering what happens to the debt owed by JS to those who paid for enhanced service for a specified period of time? It is not a lot of money per person, but it is still a debt as far as I am concerned. Had the elusive proprietor of the site been a bit more forthright and accessible, and had he said, "Look, not only do I have no idea who is owed what, but I don't have the money", I would have let him off the hook. Since he hasn't shown that respect, I think he should be held accountable. It is not hard to produce proof of money paid and for what.

I consider it an insult that he's trying to auction the JS domain name on ebay, then claims the proceeds will go to some charity. Screw that. He has no right to take the money of clients and donate it anywhere except back in their pockets. Sign of the times I suppose. If politicians can pretend to care by throwing your money at supposed "good causes" then Dylan can do the same.

As much as I sympathized with his trials and bad experiences. I have no respect for his blatant disregard for his moral obligations in this matter. It is a coward's way out. I don't blame him, I guess. He has clearly avoided any mention of the consequences his mismanagement has on others. The financial end, at least, should be covered. As far as losing posts, that is the fault of those of us who did not properly keep it backed up. Most of us knew better than to rely solely on the site.

Many people could use than ten or twenty dollars they may be owed. I imagine the legal people would have advised him to ignore it; don't open the door. Doesn't make it right, but what is right lately when it comes to matters in which lawyers might be involved. Laws aren't about right and wrong or justice. Maybe they began as such. That was a long time ago.

Good thing this guy wasn't the head of an investment group. We'd be out big bucks if that were the case. Same regard for people and honor. These are strange days, that's for sure.

New Year's Resolutions

Normally I don't participate in the resolution ritual. This year it has become evident that some things need to change.

resolution 2009---develop the skill of transporting a cup of coffee from one end of the cabin to the other without feeding part of it to the floor, or my shirt. Further, employ this skill at the homes of others and in my car. Obviously this drinking problem has gone far enough. The coffee spillage issue is not new. Years ago a friend noted that the only time I kept all the coffee in the cup was when I was falling down stairs. Sad but true.

Another resolution is more along the lines of maintaining rather than changing: keep a roof overhead, food in the cupboard and working transportation throughout the year. In short, do what it takes to ensure self sufficient survival. That could mean bringing projects to fruition, getting a job at the country store in Descanso, whatever. Don't screw the goose or queer the deal, in essence.

The underlying change required to accomplish the maintenance goal is to quit being so lazy. That means curbing my favorite hobby; slacking. Unless I can start a company--Slackerworks, LLC---and make it pay, that activity will have to be curtailed.

I think that is more than enough in the way of resolutionary resolve.

A Favorite Hideout

Now that I realize how quickly I can be on bigger mountains with a view that stretches forever, I'll have to make a great effort not to spend all my money on fuel driving out there. It's a place where hang gliders launch, so I hear, but I have yet to see any. All I've seen are memorials for the ones who had a bad day up on Mt Laguna. I think that is the name.

Today would have been a poor day for jumping off that ridge. The wind from the west must have been accelerated by a venturi effect through the peaks. Usually I like to walk out to the edge of such places so I can look down and get the rush being up high can bring. Today I wouldn't go within eight feet of the edge. Had I been about fifty pounds lighter, I think the wind would have carried me off into the valley from where I stood.

I like being able to go up there. It is only about thirty minutes or so from home. The road is to my liking, and I enjoy being able to see the snow and all that. A week ago they had so much that chains were required or the road was closed altogether. Nw the road is fine but there is a heavy blanket of snow on the ground in the wooded areas. That is why people were up there yesterday sledding. Some were there today. Not as many.

As I was leaving the hang glider launch and memorial spot, I saw a huge bird, an eagle I think, soaring into the wind. It was going backwards relative to the ground, then it would turn and do a shallow dive to hold a steady position. From the shape of the wings, and sheer size of the thing, I guess it was an eagle. It did not have the white bald eagle head. Of course that is not a requirement, just a bird of prey fashion statement. Finally, it went into one of those super sonic hawk dives. It went down so far that it disappeared behind the ridge. I'm guessing it laid waste to a rodent or rabbit. Maybe it nailed a goat. The thing was huge.

True to form, I forgot to bring any sort of camera with me. Too bad. The bird was soaring in one spot for awhile. It appeared stationary, but I am sure its airspeed was significant.

This was one of those times when I wanted to be in a place like that to clear my mind, or maybe to jump start it. Often people say they want to clear their minds when they really want the opposite. It is just a matter of getting the mind to operate in a pleasing and productive manner. Looking for that ol' lightbulb to fire.

No blazing revelations came to me, but I felt good anyway.

Go Chargers.

Public Blog Humiliation

It is nice to have some way to link to and keep up with people here----BUT, do they have to show right on the page how unpopular a person is? The followers of this blog section should be invisible. Now I can't pretend to have thousands of interested friends who can't wait to see what I write. Typical net cruelty. This is as bad as the bullying at myspace that I've seen on the news.

They even discuss that stuff on Oprah. Is your child a victim of meanies on line?

Day one of this year was capped off by an excursion out Skyline drive. It is not very far, but it is covered with snow. Not the road, just the countryside. People drove out from sunny San Diego to sled and play. They park by the side of the road where there is a hill and snow, then let the kids play. It was kind of nice.

Somehow it is very California. There is some underlying attitude around here which is steeped in enjoyment of the place. It's hard to describe but I find it very nice. It's a laid back enthusiasm. People seem to like being here. I wish I could put my finger on it. After spending most of my life on the east coast, with frequent brushes with northeastern US culture, the contrast in attitudes stands out, but I have a tough time describing it. Maybe cynicism is the driving force there and, though it may get taxed into extinction, enjoyment of life seems to be the underlying force here.

All the same problems exist. It is just far less intense. I hope I don't live to eat these words. CA apparently made hundreds of new laws which go into effect this year. Some have to do with increased fees for God only knows what. The one getting all the attention has to do with texting while driving. Rather than just use existing laws like "driving while distracted" or whatever, CA likes to make it specific for each little detail. I'm surprised they don't have separate laws prohibiting throwing Jack-in-the-Box trash on the street, and McDonald's trash, etc. Maybe separate ones for tossing used and unused kleenex.

That tendency to micro-manage and create redundant laws baffles me. The general ambiance is so nice that I can't get overly worked up just yet. This place must have really been something before thoughtless brats gained a foothold. It's still a special place in spite of the clean-your-toilets guy in LA, and Ahnold picking pockets. Of course I'm far removed from all that. I live in a cave on the outskirts of everywhere.

In spite of all, I still have a desire to travel around more of the West. That may come later. For now, there are so many things I should, could, ought, and want to do here, that I will be occupied for some time. Being a balker when it comes to the edification of my own life and health, the going is likely to be slow. All the extra sunshine tends to help. I think I may need larger than normal doses of vitamin D just to maintain even slightly good attitude and behavior.

OK. Enough about me. Next time I'll talk about something or someone else.

Omens, Good and Iffy

Whether the demise of Journalspace is a good omen or bad will possibly be evident in time. That the system was designed against hardware failure but not human malice is too bad. An inside job, apparently. I tend to believe the story. Lots of people, once they see themselves as victim, suspend all inhibitions, parameters of behavior based on moral code. Revenge becomes righteous and the consequence to others means nothing. You see it all the time. In some ways, half the laws and tax money we spend have some of that involved. At least it is there on one side of the coin, or other.

I've come to realize that I have a some sort of core desire to write in a venue in which I feel others, if only a few, will read what I have to say. I like to also see what it is those people are thinking or writing. Somehow just putting it in a notebook is not the same. It is one of the ways in which one gets spoiled and hooked on the internet. Not everyone in my circle of friends has traditionally written, or even understood my desire to put things out there in print. Here in SoCal more of my friends get it, even if they don't put drivel in print the way I do.

In Memphis it caused anger among some and baffled others. I don't think I have what it takes to write a decent novel, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to put down my take on things. Critic at large, I guess.

So, from now on I suppose I have to write here at this cold and disjointed site. I've yet to see how one finds anything here, especially the circle of friends and such. Now I'm sorry I did most of my communicating through JS messages instead of exchanging more reliable contact information.

Perhaps this is a foreshadowing of the new era of hope and change; our brave new world in which the rest of earth will now love us and we will all be happy and healthy, etc.