Today was one that brought back that almost mystical faith which launched me on my quest for home when I left Memphis, embarking upon the Ballistic Tour in the now defunct tourmobile #1. For no reason that I can define, I knew as soon as the idea filtered into my sad and addled mind that the radical move into the unknown was the right thing.
Soon pieces began falling into place, even though I felt as if I was submerged in a vat of wet cement, barely able to move. As the pieces began to fit together that feeling of living in that viscous fog decreased bit by bit. People from my very distant past appeared out of nowhere and actually helped me plan the trip from across the country. Even the majority of sounds which entertained the journey were shipped to me by such people.
Much of the journey was uplifting; seeing relatives in Texas, doing wild repair work on buildings while there, and generally enjoying the company. Since everything was new because I had not been to the majority of places along the ever changing route, it gave the event a sort of magical ambiance. I did struggle a bit with loneliness, and some depressive regret for things long past, but I did my best to change the thinking and not allow this new life to be overwhelmed with free floating sadness. I no longer wanted to be a victim of my own emotions. That is a thing that takes conscious effort but it can be done.
So then I end up here, in the enchanted cottage at 3000 feet, which is nice, with a view I only half dared to hope I'd have when I landed. Then I end up with friends in this remote neighborhood who play music and wanted me to be a part of it. I've had enough work to pay the rent and live. And I can't even explain what I do. A lot of outdoor teak and some whatnot stuff as well.
I have had periods of time in the last year and a half in which I've come close to stagnation, depression, and generally unhealthy isolation. However that is the nature of my being, I think. the main thing is not to let that beast win. Avoid feeding it to the extent that I can. It is almost sacrilegious to get too down because I have been the recipient of a tremendous amount of trust, kindness, generosity, understanding and respect here. To let things go down the drain without a fight would be like not holding up my end. No way should one let his friends feel like they are wasting their good support and faith.
Anyway, the wheel always rolls back around and the fact that life is OK kind of washes through me, and I realize I may be where I need to be at this moment. I know I probably sound new agey or sappy, but that attitude has pulled me up from some very dark depths, and it is quite a contrast. When you finally feel good after being sick, it can be exciting. Same sort of thing.
Today my friends had a little get together up the mountain a bit. The weather was perfect so we were outside. they play music, sing, and make wonderful food. We had a smal PA set up on the deck and only maybe 12 or 15 people, including an 11 year old girl. If every person was like her, what a world it would be. She helped me pick up my harps when I spilled the harmonica box with about 10 or so flying off all over the place.
A guy, keyboard player and Juliard grad, who knew Norton Buffalo personally and was at his big send off memorial, was there. He was a very nice guy. Everyone had a blast. Another guy there joined with us on guitar and did some solo stuff. Once it thinned out, the few of us left went inside because they were getting mosquito bitten and everyone there was singing and playing music. It was an extraordinary thing. Not only that but the new guitar guy is involved in some cutting edge air conditioning stuff that really piqued my interest. It could be a little glimmer of something I might get into in some capacity.
Somehow, I left this get together feeling like I had again recaptured that unashamed happiness regardless of past loss, status or any of that. It is the state of mind I have to cultivate---just a live being enjoying being alive, without free floating guilt or self appraisal based on things beyond my control and not of my own values.
I was unbelievably nervous at first because I guess I was intimidated by the keyboard guy's credentials and talent. I got over it. It was cool to hear him playing a Dave Brubeck tune on a keyboard someone dug up. There are a lot of interesting people out here in CA. That guy lives in San Fran with a view of the Golden Gate bridge. He's been in the music biz in one capacity or another all his life. he and the host of the party went to high school together in the midwest. Keyboard was voted most talented---I saw the yearbook.
The lady of the house commented how she felt that the way this party worked out she was finally just enjoying the moment rather being too preoccupied or trying to control stuff too much to even notice and live right now.
There was some off color banter by these nuts regarding harmonica player and things I won't mention. Why they want to promote me that way when all the women there were married, I do not know. Maybe they have sisters who will hear these baseless rumors through the grape vine. I guess I didn't mind the attention. Most of the time if people subject you to good natured embarrassment, it because they consider you well entrenched in their family of friends.
It is almost shocking how much I learn about how you are supposed to behave and live from friends here in the SD area. I may have had some huge gaps in my understanding of some things related to interacting with people. Not like I can't get along or couldn't, but there are or were many areas of that in which I've been truly clueless. Lots of people don't recognize that aspect of me, and that leads to misunderstanding or some other disconnect.
I write this stuff down because I know I can cycle. I need to have a record of the times when I realistically felt optimistic, and happy, and knew life was taking turns for the better. My trick for the cycles has been to ride out the lows, attempting not to believe the extremely pessimistic thoughts, and to embrace the highs and pinpoint what aspects of the optimism can be defined. The cycles aren't so drastic that I think medication to level it would be useful. It is just the way life is and I am able to temper it. Most humans have ups and downs. The nature of them varies, but within certain limits, best to adjust to it without chemicals---at least in my case.
Alright, that is my Pollyana-esque gushing for today.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Understanding Those Who Promote Complexity
Often in the past when discussing philosophy of civilization with family and others I find myself accused of being simplistic and paranoid. It all seems very clear to me; the momentum of things appears to result in limited freedom, more official oversight of inoffensive lives, and an obstacle to just getting by.
What I came to believe--my theory--regarding the support these people have for convoluted rules, economic meddling and all the rest--is that A) they managed to grow up and enter adult life in a somewhat mainstream way, degrees, consistent employment in a profession, money B) they pride themselves on their general knowledge and grasp of esoteric specialized details. C) they love to reinforce their view of their intelligence by being able to grasp detailed and complicated rules and their rationalizations. D) they feel relieved that it does not benefit them to stand against the powers that be E)they rationalize their abhorrence of general principle under the guise of being "realists".
This results in these people looking at the big picture as something to be managed. They cannot resist. Their minds busily weigh through the matters of life and how it can all be best managed. The assumption is that those who have fallen off the mainstream track, those who do not have MBAs or better, or some other appropriate documentation on the wall, are not qualified to know what is best for themselves, and that they are obviously lesser beings who would not understand the intricate aspects of life, viewed as a game with the resulting strategies which are required to play it correctly.
Matters of principle based on the belief that the ideal system maintains order while preserving maximum individual freedom are seen as rigid unrealistic ideology which only the lesser intellects would embrace. It is a subtle trap. If you do not grasp every detail of why protracted wars are fought, or why the money is controlled as it is, then you have no right to say these things are the result of a government functioning beyond its proper powers.
They have such a low opinion of the most downtrodden that they are resigned to the notion that certain groups will forever have to be kept by government benevolence. As long as they have enough for cable and booze, maybe drugs, then they'll be pacified and help support the status quo.
It is a very real elitist view. Since that mentality spills over into every day life, I find contact with such people disheartening. I'm nt of the elite. My walls bear little evidence of an approved life path. The humanitarian award is merely a testament to how the heart outweighed the intellect. I should have made money from the disaster. What must I have been thinking?
The interesting thing is that without a definition of what constitutes lesser, the philosophy would be no fun. I consider it a misplaced form of competition, and in the end an obstacle to climbing out of the rut in which some of us have landed.
I believe that, subconsciously, many of those who have reached a safe point, through worthy accomplishment, do not want to see others achieve that level of security or accomplishment through less orthodox means, or really, by any means. It's the syndrome I remember when people who got their license at 16 were then all for raising the age when they were 18 or so. They did not mind the benefit of a looser structure but felt self satisfied in adding the hoops through which those behind them had to jump.
Probably, if my life had not been so systematically obliterated in a myriad of ways, I would not care if the system was morally lacking or not. Just as long as I had my world in such order that I could gloat. Pride in success is good and right. I find it gets twisted when it turns into an intellectual rationalization for narrowing the opportunities available to others. Hence you get the system in which there are plenty of opportunities--through government grants, official approvals, etc.
Some of us do not want such subsidy and oversight. I guess we get what we deserve for our resistance to reality, Comrade.
*****Remind me to tell you about the hitchhiker I picked up--75 year old man with $5 in his pocket and the gallon of water I gave him--possibly headed to Miami--he's not sure. He said he had to get away from his seedy neighborhood to avoid getting depressed. He has faith it will work out OK.
What I came to believe--my theory--regarding the support these people have for convoluted rules, economic meddling and all the rest--is that A) they managed to grow up and enter adult life in a somewhat mainstream way, degrees, consistent employment in a profession, money B) they pride themselves on their general knowledge and grasp of esoteric specialized details. C) they love to reinforce their view of their intelligence by being able to grasp detailed and complicated rules and their rationalizations. D) they feel relieved that it does not benefit them to stand against the powers that be E)they rationalize their abhorrence of general principle under the guise of being "realists".
This results in these people looking at the big picture as something to be managed. They cannot resist. Their minds busily weigh through the matters of life and how it can all be best managed. The assumption is that those who have fallen off the mainstream track, those who do not have MBAs or better, or some other appropriate documentation on the wall, are not qualified to know what is best for themselves, and that they are obviously lesser beings who would not understand the intricate aspects of life, viewed as a game with the resulting strategies which are required to play it correctly.
Matters of principle based on the belief that the ideal system maintains order while preserving maximum individual freedom are seen as rigid unrealistic ideology which only the lesser intellects would embrace. It is a subtle trap. If you do not grasp every detail of why protracted wars are fought, or why the money is controlled as it is, then you have no right to say these things are the result of a government functioning beyond its proper powers.
They have such a low opinion of the most downtrodden that they are resigned to the notion that certain groups will forever have to be kept by government benevolence. As long as they have enough for cable and booze, maybe drugs, then they'll be pacified and help support the status quo.
It is a very real elitist view. Since that mentality spills over into every day life, I find contact with such people disheartening. I'm nt of the elite. My walls bear little evidence of an approved life path. The humanitarian award is merely a testament to how the heart outweighed the intellect. I should have made money from the disaster. What must I have been thinking?
The interesting thing is that without a definition of what constitutes lesser, the philosophy would be no fun. I consider it a misplaced form of competition, and in the end an obstacle to climbing out of the rut in which some of us have landed.
I believe that, subconsciously, many of those who have reached a safe point, through worthy accomplishment, do not want to see others achieve that level of security or accomplishment through less orthodox means, or really, by any means. It's the syndrome I remember when people who got their license at 16 were then all for raising the age when they were 18 or so. They did not mind the benefit of a looser structure but felt self satisfied in adding the hoops through which those behind them had to jump.
Probably, if my life had not been so systematically obliterated in a myriad of ways, I would not care if the system was morally lacking or not. Just as long as I had my world in such order that I could gloat. Pride in success is good and right. I find it gets twisted when it turns into an intellectual rationalization for narrowing the opportunities available to others. Hence you get the system in which there are plenty of opportunities--through government grants, official approvals, etc.
Some of us do not want such subsidy and oversight. I guess we get what we deserve for our resistance to reality, Comrade.
*****Remind me to tell you about the hitchhiker I picked up--75 year old man with $5 in his pocket and the gallon of water I gave him--possibly headed to Miami--he's not sure. He said he had to get away from his seedy neighborhood to avoid getting depressed. He has faith it will work out OK.
War On Obesity Seen In Night Sky
Wally O Sausagowski was convicted of being problematically fat. Government officials sent him into shallow orbit around the earth. His re-entry was witnessed across the midwest. Although the official spin is that they have not yet made a determination on the identity of this fireball, and they have implied it was meteor related, an insider in the Department of Obesity and Poor Genetics, who asked to remain anonymous, confirmed that this was in fact Mr. Sausagowski burning up as he re-entered the atmosphere.
Don't say I did not warn you.
If you are not a string bean I suggest not wearing horizontal stripes, bikinis or speedos. Get some elevator shoes to enhance your height, and avoid face to face contact with government officials, census workers, or overactive neighborhood watch personnel.
Don't say I did not warn you.
If you are not a string bean I suggest not wearing horizontal stripes, bikinis or speedos. Get some elevator shoes to enhance your height, and avoid face to face contact with government officials, census workers, or overactive neighborhood watch personnel.
War on Fat People
They call it the cause to reduce childhood obesity.
Do not be fooled. If you are fat you are at risk. THEY are going to get you. THEY are at war with you. You have had it. You can still complain about being discriminated against because you are big and FAT, but that won't last. Soon, they will force you into special clinics where they will perform liposuction on you and use the gooky fat to power AirForce 1.
They will tax your extra pounds as calculated from that chart which tells you how much you should weigh at a given height, regardless of natural body type. You are going to be a Big FAT cash cow for THEM.
Do not be fooled. If you are fat you are at risk. THEY are going to get you. THEY are at war with you. You have had it. You can still complain about being discriminated against because you are big and FAT, but that won't last. Soon, they will force you into special clinics where they will perform liposuction on you and use the gooky fat to power AirForce 1.
They will tax your extra pounds as calculated from that chart which tells you how much you should weigh at a given height, regardless of natural body type. You are going to be a Big FAT cash cow for THEM.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Yikes, what CBS calls "right leaning", I call left field statists
In my lexicon, statist is a person who believes most, if not all of life's answers and activities are best treated through government power and action.
There was some thing on a CBS TV site that had a slide show of "right leaning celebrities". If someone sang at a republican function, or supported John McCain, or is Ahnold, they include that person in their list. Arnold is just a Kennedy in disguise, hence, California has not done any better under him. He is a fraud just like most democrats and republicans. I mean that in specific ways. Arnold thinks government is the answer. He plays all the games based on junk science to appease the green brigade--which results in trying to bring in energy from Mexico--oil and coal fired power---while pretending the new infrastructure that requires is for wind and solar. It is a shell game but that is how it will work. Right leaning? No, I think WRONG leaning.
The whole concept of right and left in political philosophy has become quite foggy. They also listed people because they were outspoken Christians. Most preachers and holy men I've heard are all for using your money to do their bidding in a governmental sense. Many are quite clearly socialist in belief. Some have been vocally political and involved in issues which I'd half way support, but their reasons were not the same. Then there is always the abortion flap. Just let people have them. If they are on welfare, encourage and pay for it!!
Mostly, since I always considered left to mean in support of more centralization of control, and more regulation of all sorts, I counted myself as not left. But then they called people of the right who get all gung ho under the banner of law and order, then end up pushing things through that have no business being there, like search without probable cause, random road blocks, helmet laws, interference in the affairs of other countries, and excuses to load up prisons to the bursting point.
I credit it to very slick, patient and persistent public relations; we have been led to believe if you lean right then you want a police state, and if you lean left you want a police state of a different stripe.
Left supposedly thinks the world is peopled by peaceful happy folks who live wonderfully pastoral lives, if not for the evil USA. The right supposedly thinks the world needs us to police it and install "democracy" wherever possible. Somehow both our alleged choices give us limited, protracted, never ending wars all over places where lunatic is the norm. We are bringing stability.
Those choices are not real. Neither is even slightly in tune with the purpose, philosophy and spirit of the Constitution. Neither is about freedom.
The way I see the current climate, the Republicans are doing a good job piggy backing on what was unorchestrated dissent. The tea party thing did not come out of the lunatic fringe, racism or anything of the sort. Democrats paint it as such, and Republicans have largely hijacked it, or are attempting to. There are all of a sudden a lot of rather libertarian leaning people trying to figure out where to hang their hats. If they trust republicans again they will get screwed. Democrats have gone so off the edge in never ending Bush blame that not many freedom lovers would think that is an option. Most, who think, realize Bush had a democrat controlled legislative branch for much of his tenure anyway. That doesn't stop those same career political whores from blaming Bush, but they were instrumental in all the trouble they now pretend to fix.
Has it not occurred to the majority of Americans that everything done by both these scam parties to solve every problem or pretend problem from terror and drugs to healthcare and climate involves lowering the standard of living and installing more and more control over our lives? It does not work well in the long run, and for some it is intolerable even in the short run.
What a joke. CBS obviously considers themselves left leaning. It is a scandal to be registered republican. It is too bad that so many who are registered republicans are actually more libertarian, freedom leaning, in philosophy, but fooled into thinking the repubs are actually clean and real. The issue of foreign wars somehow gets rationalized. I'm of the ilk that thinks a kick ass Defense is the ticket, and that it should be known that if anyone screws with us we will use the technology to make a bloody mess of their part of the earth, but we will not force our soldiers to be psychologists, diplomats or social workers, and we will in no way rebuild your sorry fiefdom. If you have resources we want, we may or may not take them. But to the extent you don't screw with us, we will mind our own business. Police actions and limited long term wars which include building things back end up costing too much and in many ways.
I would not promote commerce with slave states, and I wouldn't use tax money to negotiate so-called trade treaties which name companies and work deals for private firms. Let them do their own. I'd let any citizen of the US travel anywhere he chooses, mostly at his own risk, but if political forces mess with one of ours abroad, I'd let that be reason to take out the offenders.
If we want to keep fewer nukes, fine, but it is useless to sign anything with any other country because the bad guys won't pay attention to the document. The whole defense strategy needs to be rethought in a way that makes it very tough to put a dent in us, but not necessarily goes with the approach of having ourselves stationed in every hell hole on earth.
Left and right, as defined by CBS meet in the middle when it comes to minding the business of private citizens, working deals for private firms, making laws which favor one group or business over another, creating crises which excuse usurpation of rights. Everyone wants a team they can believe in, and by Godt if it was good enough for my daddy then I am going to be a democrat/republican. Just because dear old Dad had no foresight, insight or clear vision does not mean you have to be stupid, too.
Of course some people want institutional life. A big giant land in which everyone is the subject of the state, and the property of the state. The trouble is, they aren't satisfied to wish that just on themselves. They insist everyone be included.
There was some thing on a CBS TV site that had a slide show of "right leaning celebrities". If someone sang at a republican function, or supported John McCain, or is Ahnold, they include that person in their list. Arnold is just a Kennedy in disguise, hence, California has not done any better under him. He is a fraud just like most democrats and republicans. I mean that in specific ways. Arnold thinks government is the answer. He plays all the games based on junk science to appease the green brigade--which results in trying to bring in energy from Mexico--oil and coal fired power---while pretending the new infrastructure that requires is for wind and solar. It is a shell game but that is how it will work. Right leaning? No, I think WRONG leaning.
The whole concept of right and left in political philosophy has become quite foggy. They also listed people because they were outspoken Christians. Most preachers and holy men I've heard are all for using your money to do their bidding in a governmental sense. Many are quite clearly socialist in belief. Some have been vocally political and involved in issues which I'd half way support, but their reasons were not the same. Then there is always the abortion flap. Just let people have them. If they are on welfare, encourage and pay for it!!
Mostly, since I always considered left to mean in support of more centralization of control, and more regulation of all sorts, I counted myself as not left. But then they called people of the right who get all gung ho under the banner of law and order, then end up pushing things through that have no business being there, like search without probable cause, random road blocks, helmet laws, interference in the affairs of other countries, and excuses to load up prisons to the bursting point.
I credit it to very slick, patient and persistent public relations; we have been led to believe if you lean right then you want a police state, and if you lean left you want a police state of a different stripe.
Left supposedly thinks the world is peopled by peaceful happy folks who live wonderfully pastoral lives, if not for the evil USA. The right supposedly thinks the world needs us to police it and install "democracy" wherever possible. Somehow both our alleged choices give us limited, protracted, never ending wars all over places where lunatic is the norm. We are bringing stability.
Those choices are not real. Neither is even slightly in tune with the purpose, philosophy and spirit of the Constitution. Neither is about freedom.
The way I see the current climate, the Republicans are doing a good job piggy backing on what was unorchestrated dissent. The tea party thing did not come out of the lunatic fringe, racism or anything of the sort. Democrats paint it as such, and Republicans have largely hijacked it, or are attempting to. There are all of a sudden a lot of rather libertarian leaning people trying to figure out where to hang their hats. If they trust republicans again they will get screwed. Democrats have gone so off the edge in never ending Bush blame that not many freedom lovers would think that is an option. Most, who think, realize Bush had a democrat controlled legislative branch for much of his tenure anyway. That doesn't stop those same career political whores from blaming Bush, but they were instrumental in all the trouble they now pretend to fix.
Has it not occurred to the majority of Americans that everything done by both these scam parties to solve every problem or pretend problem from terror and drugs to healthcare and climate involves lowering the standard of living and installing more and more control over our lives? It does not work well in the long run, and for some it is intolerable even in the short run.
What a joke. CBS obviously considers themselves left leaning. It is a scandal to be registered republican. It is too bad that so many who are registered republicans are actually more libertarian, freedom leaning, in philosophy, but fooled into thinking the repubs are actually clean and real. The issue of foreign wars somehow gets rationalized. I'm of the ilk that thinks a kick ass Defense is the ticket, and that it should be known that if anyone screws with us we will use the technology to make a bloody mess of their part of the earth, but we will not force our soldiers to be psychologists, diplomats or social workers, and we will in no way rebuild your sorry fiefdom. If you have resources we want, we may or may not take them. But to the extent you don't screw with us, we will mind our own business. Police actions and limited long term wars which include building things back end up costing too much and in many ways.
I would not promote commerce with slave states, and I wouldn't use tax money to negotiate so-called trade treaties which name companies and work deals for private firms. Let them do their own. I'd let any citizen of the US travel anywhere he chooses, mostly at his own risk, but if political forces mess with one of ours abroad, I'd let that be reason to take out the offenders.
If we want to keep fewer nukes, fine, but it is useless to sign anything with any other country because the bad guys won't pay attention to the document. The whole defense strategy needs to be rethought in a way that makes it very tough to put a dent in us, but not necessarily goes with the approach of having ourselves stationed in every hell hole on earth.
Left and right, as defined by CBS meet in the middle when it comes to minding the business of private citizens, working deals for private firms, making laws which favor one group or business over another, creating crises which excuse usurpation of rights. Everyone wants a team they can believe in, and by Godt if it was good enough for my daddy then I am going to be a democrat/republican. Just because dear old Dad had no foresight, insight or clear vision does not mean you have to be stupid, too.
Of course some people want institutional life. A big giant land in which everyone is the subject of the state, and the property of the state. The trouble is, they aren't satisfied to wish that just on themselves. They insist everyone be included.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
never mind
that's it. Never mind.
If I have nothing nice to say then hell with it.
I think I will disable comments again soon. I'm just too flooded with them to keep up
If I have nothing nice to say then hell with it.
I think I will disable comments again soon. I'm just too flooded with them to keep up
Monday, April 12, 2010
Ed McMahon of Blues Harp
Ed's job was pretty much to make Johnny look good. If you don't remember Carson, don't worry about it. Just to paint a pcture; Carson is to Letterman what a tuxedo is to a liezure suit. Except Carson is no longer with us. Just a little perspective on late night.
Anyway, I cannot play like Jason Ricci or Sugar blue, or even Brandon Santini, but I do a good job enhancing the sound of musical groups without being the front man. I'm a sideman, and that is what I do best. I blend and accent. That has usually been my goal, and a skill acquired both intentionally and by necessity. At open jams way back when the best way to get a turn was to play on things other harmonica players avoided. That meant accenting songs not commonly thought of as blues harp tunes.
The people I liked best get little credit in blues harp circles but they are great sidemen. The guy with Willie Nelson and the guy who used to be with Buffet--some kind of misguided ego thing must have split those guys apart. Neither is as good without the other. Buffet without the harmonica player just don't cut it. Anyway Willie and Mickey are still going. Mickey Raphael may have done some solo stuff, but the sidework with Willie has to be the bread and butter. It works.
Even though I think I ought to be getting better at a more rapid rate, or that I should be able to play like some of these other guys, the truth is I do what I do fairy well, and there is an art to it. Norton Buffalo is the main other guy I've seen who can pay while a vocal is going without messing up the sound or drowning out the voice. Norton was a far better player but not that much better when it came to purely back up.
This realization just kind of hit me. I've been playing more with the guys on the mountain lately. We've been practicing some tunes. They all sing well and play some good accoustic guitar
Ouch. If you have recessed bedframe legs, then you are lucky. If mine were just set in about 3 inches I would not have stubbed toes. That is how all bed frames should be made.
Anyway, I cannot play like Jason Ricci or Sugar blue, or even Brandon Santini, but I do a good job enhancing the sound of musical groups without being the front man. I'm a sideman, and that is what I do best. I blend and accent. That has usually been my goal, and a skill acquired both intentionally and by necessity. At open jams way back when the best way to get a turn was to play on things other harmonica players avoided. That meant accenting songs not commonly thought of as blues harp tunes.
The people I liked best get little credit in blues harp circles but they are great sidemen. The guy with Willie Nelson and the guy who used to be with Buffet--some kind of misguided ego thing must have split those guys apart. Neither is as good without the other. Buffet without the harmonica player just don't cut it. Anyway Willie and Mickey are still going. Mickey Raphael may have done some solo stuff, but the sidework with Willie has to be the bread and butter. It works.
Even though I think I ought to be getting better at a more rapid rate, or that I should be able to play like some of these other guys, the truth is I do what I do fairy well, and there is an art to it. Norton Buffalo is the main other guy I've seen who can pay while a vocal is going without messing up the sound or drowning out the voice. Norton was a far better player but not that much better when it came to purely back up.
This realization just kind of hit me. I've been playing more with the guys on the mountain lately. We've been practicing some tunes. They all sing well and play some good accoustic guitar
Ouch. If you have recessed bedframe legs, then you are lucky. If mine were just set in about 3 inches I would not have stubbed toes. That is how all bed frames should be made.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Edge of the Earth
I wonder when I actually fell off the edge of the feverish earth. I wonder if it would have made a difference if it wasn't feverish. Actually, I think that is an idiotic characterization of the planet, but Al's convinced a lot of people it makes sense, and he's made tons of dough in the process.
The effort to get back on this side of the edge has been successful in some ways. Considering I may have been over the edge all my life with brief periods just about getting firmly planted on solid land, the progress is somewhat significant. But, I do not find it easy to clearly define or see the path to real solidity. It doesn't help that I abhor official red tape and interference in life, and find it almost a moral dilemma when it comes to jumping through hoops that ought not be there. Most people don't see it that way and they enjoy a lot of things I don't. Maybe I'm wrong.
Those are things that might have been considered, were I capable of that, long before now. Since I know I was not capable of meaningful analysis back then, it doesn't matter. The thing now is how to get into the flow of things, be secure and in compliance with at least most of the laws of the land. I certainly wouldn't want to do it by being on any government subsidized program. Ought to be my choice.
Then we get to health insurance. Mine lapsed some time ago. I've paid as I've needed, and I've kept something set aside to cover things that might come up--to a point. Beyond that, I would just do without.
However, under the new law I will be required to buy, and if I can't, I'd be required to demonstrate my inability to reasonably purchase this product so that the government can then subsidize the forced purchase. That, of course would mean I'd have to be monitored, much like people on welfare. Except I do not want anything to do with it. I find this a hurdle in my journey to center of the earth. These are not benevolent initiatives on the part of government officials and agencies.
Those who think that it is kind to spend tax money on the peons, provided of course they submit to paternal oversight, do not ever think they will be on the receiving end, and they obviously think those who could be are inferior beings. Fair enough. The trouble ramps up when you force people into that that system. If I somehow make a lot of money, then maybe I can feel fine complying with laws which are absurd in a free land. Until then, not so much.
For now I will just convince myself and the world that I am Amish, or a Christian Science practitioner, and forget the rest. It just confuses the what now question. Living a simple life out of the fray is becoming illegal. That is wrong. And no, I do not feel the slightest obligation to be involved in what is euphemistically called "the community". What they mean by that is unclear. You do not take from a community if you live there, conduct business and behave. You have no reason to "give back". Everyone who does something useful or kind contributes.
The sickness has been so ingrained in the psyche of people in this and other countries that logic scares people more than slavery.
Maybe over the edge the better side.
The effort to get back on this side of the edge has been successful in some ways. Considering I may have been over the edge all my life with brief periods just about getting firmly planted on solid land, the progress is somewhat significant. But, I do not find it easy to clearly define or see the path to real solidity. It doesn't help that I abhor official red tape and interference in life, and find it almost a moral dilemma when it comes to jumping through hoops that ought not be there. Most people don't see it that way and they enjoy a lot of things I don't. Maybe I'm wrong.
Those are things that might have been considered, were I capable of that, long before now. Since I know I was not capable of meaningful analysis back then, it doesn't matter. The thing now is how to get into the flow of things, be secure and in compliance with at least most of the laws of the land. I certainly wouldn't want to do it by being on any government subsidized program. Ought to be my choice.
Then we get to health insurance. Mine lapsed some time ago. I've paid as I've needed, and I've kept something set aside to cover things that might come up--to a point. Beyond that, I would just do without.
However, under the new law I will be required to buy, and if I can't, I'd be required to demonstrate my inability to reasonably purchase this product so that the government can then subsidize the forced purchase. That, of course would mean I'd have to be monitored, much like people on welfare. Except I do not want anything to do with it. I find this a hurdle in my journey to center of the earth. These are not benevolent initiatives on the part of government officials and agencies.
Those who think that it is kind to spend tax money on the peons, provided of course they submit to paternal oversight, do not ever think they will be on the receiving end, and they obviously think those who could be are inferior beings. Fair enough. The trouble ramps up when you force people into that that system. If I somehow make a lot of money, then maybe I can feel fine complying with laws which are absurd in a free land. Until then, not so much.
For now I will just convince myself and the world that I am Amish, or a Christian Science practitioner, and forget the rest. It just confuses the what now question. Living a simple life out of the fray is becoming illegal. That is wrong. And no, I do not feel the slightest obligation to be involved in what is euphemistically called "the community". What they mean by that is unclear. You do not take from a community if you live there, conduct business and behave. You have no reason to "give back". Everyone who does something useful or kind contributes.
The sickness has been so ingrained in the psyche of people in this and other countries that logic scares people more than slavery.
Maybe over the edge the better side.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Life in the Golden State:--legalizing the controversial weed
November will be an interesting thing in CA. Among other things, legalizing marijuana is on the ballot. This will be interesting because the tax funded war on drugs (which I think has done more to promote the use of truly harmful substances than it has to curb them) has been waged in quite a curious manner. I cite the cases in which our federal people have aided smugglers while punishing their own whenever they got in the way of certain cartels' operatives. Under the Bush era, several border patrol agents were put behind bars in trials marked by withheld evidence and violent smugglers being paid to testify.
Nothing has changed in that regard, except the pretense of protecting citizens on the border has been lifted a bit.
It was never a war against drugs. It was always a war to ensure certain entities maintained their trafficking networks. I do not know all the detailed ins and outs, but the basic duplicity of the effort is clear. It is hard to keep clear of conspiracy theory when looking at this stuff, but I try. I remember when no one knew what crack was---until the NY Times ran an article describing it, explaining not only how cheap it was but details on how to manufacture it. Really, they gave the entire recipe and process. Anyone with a little cocaine could have used that article as a guide for turning it into crack. Soon, the stuff was all over the place.
So far, from what I've heard, more right leaning people appear in favor of legalization than not. No idea what Arnold's take is. My guess is that he is opposed. I am guessing that behind the scenes La Raza will work against it. It would prove troublesome to the illegals who run farms in national forests. It would also limit the income of the gangs who are part of the drug distribution network. Of course, as much as people pretend otherwise, they also promote some much more damaging substances.
Denial is the only explanation I can figure for the view that alcohol is safer and less likely to accompany violence than is marijuana. Until the recent lunatics who became unruly on airplanes and such, then blamed it on medical pot, I had never known of purely cannabis induced violence. I believe that those who blame their violent behavior on being stoned are lying, hoping ignorant and idiotic authorities or juries will buy the excuse. It is simply not the nature of the substance on the huge preponderance of people.
Of course, those who run the illegal farms on federal land are prone to violence, but not due to use of the weed.
Personally, I am for legalizing pot, and any other plant you care to grow, as long as it isn't a plant that grows out of control and destroys the countryside, like kudzu. I'd make most pharmaceuticals available to adults who feel the need, without the hassle of going to a doctor for a prescription.
Some of us prefer to manage our own health care, and often the doctor visit is merely an exercise in legal extortion which is unnecessary as our own common sense would have worked just fine. Those who are prone to addiction are going to find it anyway, and in many cases became hooked under their doctor's guidance. It is highly possible that left to their on devices they might not have done it. The MD's stamp of approval gives a false sense of safety and security. It must be the best thing if the doctor says it is OK. If I make a bad choice I can sue the doc.
Legalizing pot could save money. One less thing for heavy handed police state interference. Also there are many useful products that hemp in various forms provides. Mostly, what business is it for anyone to tell me what I cannot grow or taste? The initiative allows one to use a 5 foot by 5 foot plot for personal growing use. It CA it is the number one cash crop--15 billion. The second highest yielding farm product is dairy at about half that amount. So, for the most part we are feeding gangs and Mexican cartels billions while wasting time trying to enforce personal choice.
From my experience I strongly believe the number one "gateway drug" is alcohol. You get drunk enough and you have no idea of the end result. Most people do not push it that far but the fire water is big trouble for some. Just a fact, not a reason to prevent its use or to make people obtain a special license to enjoy a glass of wine. Production of alcoholic beverages in an ancient art, and it gives much pleasure to many. If you are one who can't appreciate it properly, then you ought to avoid it. I guess it is like art appreciation---if your idea of great art is the tiger on black velvet, then best not to let anyone know.
It is highly unlikely that actual use and abuse of drugs will increase if big brother gets out of the act. Some studies allegedly confirm that assertion. Ever skeptical of the "studies show" arguments, I would not wager the farm on it. To me that is irrelevant. I strongly, achingly, believe that the birthright of all humans is to live free as long as you don't infringe on the right of others to do the same. And that trumps any studies and most else.
If the illegal voters and corrupt government entities and lobby groups who profit from keeping this plant under control of thugs don't skew the vote, I think it will pass. If so, I think I'll start a cottage business manufacturing special butter, salads, and maybe chocolate treats. The trick is that cannabis is fat/oil soluble, and also alcohol soluble. Water, not so much.
Then again, I doubt I'd even use it except possibly on highly special occasions. Anything that limits the number of excuses for random search and seizure is good. We gave up our right to be free of search without probable cause under this phony "war on drugs". Like health care, the reaction to lunatic terrorists, and who knows what, it was merely another move for an elite to control the population and increase their power.
I'm all for fighting violent thugs and insanely motivated terrorists who think Allah wants them to kill infidels, but I am not in agreement to combating these things by imprisoning citizens and intruding on their right to liberty willy nilly.
So, with some luck, California will let go of the ban on pot, while continuing to fight the evils of trans fats and that stuff you put in the atmosphere when you sigh--CO2.
Maybe they'll even begin to look at the causes for something like 47000 businesses leaving the state in a year's time. Maybe it was 4700. I'll double check, but in either case, that is not a good trend, and there are obvious reasons for it. Anywhere this beautiful and sunny is not easy to leave without good reason.
I knew I heard that 47K number. This from a thing called The Digital Report in an article discussing a [piece of legislation in CA designed to take into account economic impact when making other laws, or some such thing. CA is impact crazy; how will the seals respond? What about the safety of children who walk too fast? Will the earth suffer a worse fever? What about the coyotes? The owls? The manzanitas? etc
The Census Bureau’s 2010 Statistical Abstract of the United States provides that one of every six American employers that closed permanently in 2008 was in California. Our state experienced 45% more business closures than launches, compared to 10.5% nationally. By the end of that year there were almost 47,000 fewer businesses in California than in 2007.
Most likely a lot just went off the radar. It is easier to operate if you class yourself as an undocumented business, person, or worker. Anything else is far too complicated to process with anything but a sick, warped and, quite possibly, brain damaged mind--the sort that embraces and relishes red tape and legal tyranny.
Strange Days: part 2010.420
I know these things don't bother most people, and I often wonder why they bother me. Even more often, I wonder why they don't seem to concern others. Maybe it has to do with conditions of my youth. Then again, I may be right.
OK. Treaties. When did countries like Russia ever actually honor them? Putin, being a product of USSR and KGB, is not the sort you wave down to say you are going to take the bullets out of your gun for no good reason. It is pointless.
The oft quoted notion that the job of the USA is to bring our way of life or democracy to the rest of the world. No, it is not our job, and it is a terrible idea. Live free and mind your own business. Either others choose to follow that lead or not. If they don't mess with you then leave it at that. We have more people in jail than anyone, so how about we fix our own place.
Everything divided up between minorities and whatever is left over. And on top of that, lumping all females in the group considered a minority. What about just enforcing equal treatment under the law, eliminating a slew of laws, and that's that? Anything else is unequal treatment under the law and can never work well in the long run.
I knew life was getting screwy in this country when I found a little girl's purse at the airport, where I worked, and my coworkers were pissed off because I refused to take the money it contained before tracking down the rightful owner. In Memphis, working for that same company, Out of 21 employees it turned out that only 4 or 5 did not steal from the company on a regular basis. I mean real theft--money. I may be overstating the case by saying as many as five did not steal. It may have only been three.
I have a feeling the last years of my life will be spent in hiding. Maybe I never should have read Brave New World, Anthem, or 1984. We are so there it is scary. Uninvited and unwarranted authority and oversight over individual lives gives me the creeps. I'm constitutionally incapable of taking it voluntarily. I always hated bullies, and often found ways to launch counter attacks as a youth, or yout, if you prefer.
What good does it do for a governor and/or senator to "survey damage" with a cadre of cameras and reporters after an earthquake? Can't they just get the info via pictures and such? What a waste of money to fly them down there then disrupt the town for security reasons while they walk around looking serious for the cameras. I'm sure Calexico is so much better off since the morons, Arnold and Barbara Boxer made their appearance. I've always despised that politician grandstanding trick.
The thing that stills puzzles me is why the elitists want world domination and total control of the lives of individuals. It is against the nature of man, providing the species is not drugged. What is happening is definitely a big leap toward closing off every last vestige of life lived without permission and control. I don't even know if I can ride a bike on this dirt road without a helmet. I think you are supposed to have a license to keep a cat or dog. I can only hope that it quickly comes around to bite those who continually play smartass with the rationalizations for such tyranny because up until now they are not affected.
I'm a poor candidate to seek citizenship in Cuba. I can definitely see that. I believe Boxer is the one who thinks the Cuban model of control is admirable. They must hate people like me who just want to live a day without worrying about what forms I may have not kept up with.
VAT? What a euphemism, "value added tax". More like cost added at gunpoint. No value is added. No long term benefit is derived. This is what guilt over being productive has given us. There are some very seedy people in high places directly in government and in companies which use government to gain power. That's why so much stuff is made in foreign sweat shops in less than free countries.
Screwed up mess.
If you think third world people are fun, and that ignorance is genius, just take a look at who drives like homicidal/ suicidal maniacs as a percentage of the notable crazies on the road. First subtract out the lawyers on cell phones in the BMWs after happy hour.
OK. Treaties. When did countries like Russia ever actually honor them? Putin, being a product of USSR and KGB, is not the sort you wave down to say you are going to take the bullets out of your gun for no good reason. It is pointless.
The oft quoted notion that the job of the USA is to bring our way of life or democracy to the rest of the world. No, it is not our job, and it is a terrible idea. Live free and mind your own business. Either others choose to follow that lead or not. If they don't mess with you then leave it at that. We have more people in jail than anyone, so how about we fix our own place.
Everything divided up between minorities and whatever is left over. And on top of that, lumping all females in the group considered a minority. What about just enforcing equal treatment under the law, eliminating a slew of laws, and that's that? Anything else is unequal treatment under the law and can never work well in the long run.
I knew life was getting screwy in this country when I found a little girl's purse at the airport, where I worked, and my coworkers were pissed off because I refused to take the money it contained before tracking down the rightful owner. In Memphis, working for that same company, Out of 21 employees it turned out that only 4 or 5 did not steal from the company on a regular basis. I mean real theft--money. I may be overstating the case by saying as many as five did not steal. It may have only been three.
I have a feeling the last years of my life will be spent in hiding. Maybe I never should have read Brave New World, Anthem, or 1984. We are so there it is scary. Uninvited and unwarranted authority and oversight over individual lives gives me the creeps. I'm constitutionally incapable of taking it voluntarily. I always hated bullies, and often found ways to launch counter attacks as a youth, or yout, if you prefer.
What good does it do for a governor and/or senator to "survey damage" with a cadre of cameras and reporters after an earthquake? Can't they just get the info via pictures and such? What a waste of money to fly them down there then disrupt the town for security reasons while they walk around looking serious for the cameras. I'm sure Calexico is so much better off since the morons, Arnold and Barbara Boxer made their appearance. I've always despised that politician grandstanding trick.
The thing that stills puzzles me is why the elitists want world domination and total control of the lives of individuals. It is against the nature of man, providing the species is not drugged. What is happening is definitely a big leap toward closing off every last vestige of life lived without permission and control. I don't even know if I can ride a bike on this dirt road without a helmet. I think you are supposed to have a license to keep a cat or dog. I can only hope that it quickly comes around to bite those who continually play smartass with the rationalizations for such tyranny because up until now they are not affected.
I'm a poor candidate to seek citizenship in Cuba. I can definitely see that. I believe Boxer is the one who thinks the Cuban model of control is admirable. They must hate people like me who just want to live a day without worrying about what forms I may have not kept up with.
VAT? What a euphemism, "value added tax". More like cost added at gunpoint. No value is added. No long term benefit is derived. This is what guilt over being productive has given us. There are some very seedy people in high places directly in government and in companies which use government to gain power. That's why so much stuff is made in foreign sweat shops in less than free countries.
Screwed up mess.
If you think third world people are fun, and that ignorance is genius, just take a look at who drives like homicidal/ suicidal maniacs as a percentage of the notable crazies on the road. First subtract out the lawyers on cell phones in the BMWs after happy hour.
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About Me
- John0 Juanderlust
- Ballistic Mountain, CA, United States
- Like spring on a summer's day
