I must have forgotten how far Key Largo is from San Diego. I'm telling everyone, "Oh yea, I'll stop here an there along the way, as if it is just a leisurely few days. I'm thinking I better see them all on the way back, otherwise I'd have about thirty minutes to visit and it won't work well.
OK. Anyone on the trail, expect a call today or tomorrow, depending upon when you see this. I've driven it before but don't recall how that worked out. Plus I think I had some monster drives of 14 or 18 hours. I'm not so sure I'm up for that this time.
Two hours driving and a fifteen minute break. That is probably the best way to pace. I wonder why I didn't realize that placing additional time pressure would queer the deal. (not that there's anything wrong with queered deals in the new millennium. Even so, the term has a good ring and expresses the meaning well)
It will work out. I certainly want to see my friends and kin. How could I have been so cavalier in my trip preparation? Not too hard when you're the guy who left Memphis for a life unknown, in an undetermined location out west, with only a map of the southeastern United States. No gps at that time either. I knew which way was west and that I'd be going through Taos, NM. Other than that I had not much plan. I expected to hit Seattle. San Diego was not expected. Chance encounter with a long lost friend put this place on the tour.
So, my history of researching and planning trips, major moves, or life changes is a bit sketchy.
I know I want to be in South Florida by the 20th or 21st. This is why I need a mate. She would have all that stuff worked out and make the drive that much more pleasant. Only a dumb ass would manage to come up without, at this point in life.
If the shoe fits
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Oh Folk Yourself
"Those folks on the other side of the aisle..." blablabla. Folk this and folk that. Does it make it less offensive or stylistically banal to use the word "folks" when rambling on in an effort to divide and conquer the idiots of America? Obama seems to think so. So do a slew of others in the business of getting paid to rob Peter to appease Paul.
I think Bush may have used that word, too. I find him no more offensive than Obama on that score, though the big O tends more to act like it is taken for granted that he is king, and that he allows Congress to operate just so those folks can pretend they have influence. When he used "folks", it warranted the same response as when Obama uses it, in my book---watch out, you are about to be screwed. Or you already have been. At any rate it is a flag that guarantees a politician is not being fully truthful.
What is really classic is when islamic terror groups are referred to as folks. "Well, uh, those folks just blow themselves up in public places, darnit all". Or punks and thugs; "Those folks in the Crips have got something to say, just like the folks who cross the border in search of a better life and other folks in their drug cartel outfits".
If you say folks it sounds homey and innocent. Or if you are being less than impartial, it makes you seem less vindictive. "Those doggone republican folks want to kill women and poison all minorities". See, by folking it up, the total absurdity is diluted, and it sounds like you are reasonable and tolerant. Good propaganda trick.
Of course you hear that folk thing from Rush and other radio people too; "Folks, don't say I didn't warn you..."blablabla. It gives the feel of a modern day prophet standing on the back of a hay wagon addressing a multitude of good, honest, hardworking farm folk looking to a leader to tell them what's what. I've even seen people use it in comments on the net in an attempt to give themselves an air of credibility or superiority.
That is even more obnoxious. They are like the demonstration people with the bullhorns--dying to assume the role of self appointed leader. "Folks, be afraid. Be very afraid." Brilliant, you worthless dweeb!
I've seen that exact comment more than once. Or even better, "You voted for him, folks. Live with it." That folks thing is a way of separating yourself from the ignorant masses and placing yourself above them. As if they actually value your opinion more than their own.
It works. Plenty of people go for stuff like that. Too bad.
Speaking of absurd bandwagon folky nonsense. The argument used to defend the healthcare debacle, or divinely inspired, mysteriously odd law, that "Hey, those folks on the other side haven't offered me an alternative or a better plan"..blablabla, is in no way an argument which justifies anything. No one has come up with a surer cure for cancer than amputation or drowning, either. Geez, fuquit!
We prevent crime by shooting all strangers because they may be harboring criminal intent. Hey, you haven't come up with a better way so this way must be right.
Folks is one of those dog whistles, a la Chris Matthews (pundit and horse's ass). It is code for "we've dumbed you down to the point where you cannot follow simple logic, and you'll believe anything if we tell you you'll get a prize for believing it". Often the prize is that you get to be an official victim. "These folks have been neglected by their surrogate god and parent, the government". Those folks on the other side want them all to suffer and die!
We're all official victims, and beneficiaries, of the system. or better;
Folks, we're all official victims, and beneficiaries, of the system.
See the difference? It is as if that added word gives a stamp of authenticity. It's grassroots, homey, populist. It goes from opinion to compassionately stated fact. It must be true, he called us folks.
It does feel better when hordes of fanatic lunatics out to kill infidels and such are referred to as "those folks over there", or "the radical folks who give islam a bad name".
So, if you want to soften the truth, veil corrupt or violent people and events, all you have to do is folk it up like crazy. A good propagandist and a good politician is one who is at home folking things up--a consummate folk up.
"Sure I rag on the folks on wall street, but they sure have made out like bandits as a result of the policies my folks have put in place". And the cool thing is that the little folks, and most in between folks, seem to have no idea it is happening. But they do feel good when every thing is all folked up. Has that Woody Guthrie feel to it.
.
.
I think Bush may have used that word, too. I find him no more offensive than Obama on that score, though the big O tends more to act like it is taken for granted that he is king, and that he allows Congress to operate just so those folks can pretend they have influence. When he used "folks", it warranted the same response as when Obama uses it, in my book---watch out, you are about to be screwed. Or you already have been. At any rate it is a flag that guarantees a politician is not being fully truthful.
What is really classic is when islamic terror groups are referred to as folks. "Well, uh, those folks just blow themselves up in public places, darnit all". Or punks and thugs; "Those folks in the Crips have got something to say, just like the folks who cross the border in search of a better life and other folks in their drug cartel outfits".
If you say folks it sounds homey and innocent. Or if you are being less than impartial, it makes you seem less vindictive. "Those doggone republican folks want to kill women and poison all minorities". See, by folking it up, the total absurdity is diluted, and it sounds like you are reasonable and tolerant. Good propaganda trick.
Of course you hear that folk thing from Rush and other radio people too; "Folks, don't say I didn't warn you..."blablabla. It gives the feel of a modern day prophet standing on the back of a hay wagon addressing a multitude of good, honest, hardworking farm folk looking to a leader to tell them what's what. I've even seen people use it in comments on the net in an attempt to give themselves an air of credibility or superiority.
That is even more obnoxious. They are like the demonstration people with the bullhorns--dying to assume the role of self appointed leader. "Folks, be afraid. Be very afraid." Brilliant, you worthless dweeb!
I've seen that exact comment more than once. Or even better, "You voted for him, folks. Live with it." That folks thing is a way of separating yourself from the ignorant masses and placing yourself above them. As if they actually value your opinion more than their own.
It works. Plenty of people go for stuff like that. Too bad.
Speaking of absurd bandwagon folky nonsense. The argument used to defend the healthcare debacle, or divinely inspired, mysteriously odd law, that "Hey, those folks on the other side haven't offered me an alternative or a better plan"..blablabla, is in no way an argument which justifies anything. No one has come up with a surer cure for cancer than amputation or drowning, either. Geez, fuquit!
We prevent crime by shooting all strangers because they may be harboring criminal intent. Hey, you haven't come up with a better way so this way must be right.
Folks is one of those dog whistles, a la Chris Matthews (pundit and horse's ass). It is code for "we've dumbed you down to the point where you cannot follow simple logic, and you'll believe anything if we tell you you'll get a prize for believing it". Often the prize is that you get to be an official victim. "These folks have been neglected by their surrogate god and parent, the government". Those folks on the other side want them all to suffer and die!
We're all official victims, and beneficiaries, of the system. or better;
Folks, we're all official victims, and beneficiaries, of the system.
See the difference? It is as if that added word gives a stamp of authenticity. It's grassroots, homey, populist. It goes from opinion to compassionately stated fact. It must be true, he called us folks.
It does feel better when hordes of fanatic lunatics out to kill infidels and such are referred to as "those folks over there", or "the radical folks who give islam a bad name".
So, if you want to soften the truth, veil corrupt or violent people and events, all you have to do is folk it up like crazy. A good propagandist and a good politician is one who is at home folking things up--a consummate folk up.
"Sure I rag on the folks on wall street, but they sure have made out like bandits as a result of the policies my folks have put in place". And the cool thing is that the little folks, and most in between folks, seem to have no idea it is happening. But they do feel good when every thing is all folked up. Has that Woody Guthrie feel to it.
.
.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Yay, Got the Grieces Covered
For those who don't know these things, a griece is a grand niece, girl children of your nephews or nieces. I all of a sudden have three. Or so it seems at Christmas since there was only one to consider last year.
I read reviews and descriptions of things and examined the graphs which showed the item's general appeal by age group and gender. Amazing the number of things that rate way up there with 3 year olds of one sex but have little appeal to the other. Even in the one and two year old range.
I think maybe we're coming full circle in that the empirical evidence shows that boys and girls are not generally drawn to the same things so much. Of course, there are individual variations but the trends are hard to refute. It is not just conditioning.
After all it has been politically incorrect to acknowledge the differences for many years now, so the only real conditioning have been the attempts to de-male boys and butch up girls. Some of which is well motivated. Much of which is really deep seated resentment of one sex or the other being played out through unsuspecting children. They are tough. One day maybe balance and sanity will prevail.
I'm satisfied with what I ordered. Most likely either parent or child or both will find the stuff worthwhile. I did have the things sent to their respective houses so they won't have to cart more stuff back on airplanes. Traveling with six month old kids and a three year old in today's insane TSA terrorized airports is enough trouble.
I did not really get ultra girly stuff. I got something for the basket cases which has great reviews and doesn't make noises. Tobbles or something like that. Kids stack them, roll them chew on them and it seems to be a hit. Who knew? I did get the three year old a sort of kite thing that girls apparently like much more than boys. It is colorful fabric resembling a butterfly; allegedly.
She also got kid binoculars designed by a mommy scientist for her own brat. Looked almost fool poof. Oh, and she also got a stomp rocket! It uses pneumatics to send a soft rocket up fifty or a hundred feet. I figure someone has to give her stuff like that. Plus girls like those things almost as much as boys.
When there is a barely house trained kid in the same house with a basket case, and you haven't been around them enough to fully know their personalities, it pays to consider avoiding things which one might use to kill, maim, or merely terrorize the weaker sibling. I believe all second children should be given tasers or stun guns, early on, just to even things up a bit. In most homes parents fail to train the eldest not to be obnoxious thugs in dealing with the new kid at the dinner table.
As a matter of fact most parents seem to be as oblivious to the reality of children as public school teachers and administrators. Say what you will, but the vast majority of such self-proclaimed educators take the concept of obliviot (oblivious idiot) to levels which appear purely sadistic to those with the ability to pay attention. No, I am not a big fan of public education as we know it, and as I experienced it.
That's OK. None of those people are on my Christmas list. Oddly, some first-borns are. They usually reserve their joyous demeaning for their own kin, so the rest of the world is safe from their self aggrandizing antics. Sometimes they are the only ones in their families who ended up not going nuts or just giving up. Good argument for the one child approach to forming a family. Not the forced one-child approach; because there are cultures that don't value their girl babies so much in that environment.
I'll spend hours on something like trying to figure out a gift. There have only been a few people that for some reason I found nearly impossible to satisfactorily bestow a gift upon. In my own family, my father was the only one. He just didn't get it, regardless. I think those who can't grasp the symbolism of a gift, and who see giving a gift as a chore rather than a statement of some kind, never enjoy giving or receiving. The intent and affection of the giver means zilch, even if they are the (reluctant) giver. I grew to pity my father for that. He must have found life as difficult in his way as I do in mine, albeit in much different ways.
If I can't afford to get something, I don't. Many Christmases and birthdays have passed which received only my best wishes but not anything material. Anyone who can't cheerfully accept that is not worth consideration when the means are there to do more.
Nothing is worse than searching out some really nice valuable, enduring items only to notice that the recipient is in no way pleased. I have cast more than pearls before swine a time or two. Among such figurative pearls--diamonds, and gold. And else. Only a couple of times has it happened. Not talking even remotely gaudy or in bad or questionable taste. But, some people are the type who'd rather get a gift card or a chunk of cash than any gesture that I think is special and personal. They don't get it. No win friends. Probably nothing would have worked out.
I may never be in a situation like that again anyway. Kind of sad, but that is how it is. Any more it is by choice. I see the red flags too soon and too often. It happens when you've been around the block enough to believe that no company is better than bad company or company without respect.
It is an odd feeling to look at my life and realize that I have received far more love than I have respect. I think a person can have one without the other. I prefer both. Love without respect is most likely a form of pity. It doesn't feel that great when you recognize it.
I read reviews and descriptions of things and examined the graphs which showed the item's general appeal by age group and gender. Amazing the number of things that rate way up there with 3 year olds of one sex but have little appeal to the other. Even in the one and two year old range.
I think maybe we're coming full circle in that the empirical evidence shows that boys and girls are not generally drawn to the same things so much. Of course, there are individual variations but the trends are hard to refute. It is not just conditioning.
After all it has been politically incorrect to acknowledge the differences for many years now, so the only real conditioning have been the attempts to de-male boys and butch up girls. Some of which is well motivated. Much of which is really deep seated resentment of one sex or the other being played out through unsuspecting children. They are tough. One day maybe balance and sanity will prevail.
I'm satisfied with what I ordered. Most likely either parent or child or both will find the stuff worthwhile. I did have the things sent to their respective houses so they won't have to cart more stuff back on airplanes. Traveling with six month old kids and a three year old in today's insane TSA terrorized airports is enough trouble.
I did not really get ultra girly stuff. I got something for the basket cases which has great reviews and doesn't make noises. Tobbles or something like that. Kids stack them, roll them chew on them and it seems to be a hit. Who knew? I did get the three year old a sort of kite thing that girls apparently like much more than boys. It is colorful fabric resembling a butterfly; allegedly.
She also got kid binoculars designed by a mommy scientist for her own brat. Looked almost fool poof. Oh, and she also got a stomp rocket! It uses pneumatics to send a soft rocket up fifty or a hundred feet. I figure someone has to give her stuff like that. Plus girls like those things almost as much as boys.
When there is a barely house trained kid in the same house with a basket case, and you haven't been around them enough to fully know their personalities, it pays to consider avoiding things which one might use to kill, maim, or merely terrorize the weaker sibling. I believe all second children should be given tasers or stun guns, early on, just to even things up a bit. In most homes parents fail to train the eldest not to be obnoxious thugs in dealing with the new kid at the dinner table.
As a matter of fact most parents seem to be as oblivious to the reality of children as public school teachers and administrators. Say what you will, but the vast majority of such self-proclaimed educators take the concept of obliviot (oblivious idiot) to levels which appear purely sadistic to those with the ability to pay attention. No, I am not a big fan of public education as we know it, and as I experienced it.
That's OK. None of those people are on my Christmas list. Oddly, some first-borns are. They usually reserve their joyous demeaning for their own kin, so the rest of the world is safe from their self aggrandizing antics. Sometimes they are the only ones in their families who ended up not going nuts or just giving up. Good argument for the one child approach to forming a family. Not the forced one-child approach; because there are cultures that don't value their girl babies so much in that environment.
I'll spend hours on something like trying to figure out a gift. There have only been a few people that for some reason I found nearly impossible to satisfactorily bestow a gift upon. In my own family, my father was the only one. He just didn't get it, regardless. I think those who can't grasp the symbolism of a gift, and who see giving a gift as a chore rather than a statement of some kind, never enjoy giving or receiving. The intent and affection of the giver means zilch, even if they are the (reluctant) giver. I grew to pity my father for that. He must have found life as difficult in his way as I do in mine, albeit in much different ways.
If I can't afford to get something, I don't. Many Christmases and birthdays have passed which received only my best wishes but not anything material. Anyone who can't cheerfully accept that is not worth consideration when the means are there to do more.
Nothing is worse than searching out some really nice valuable, enduring items only to notice that the recipient is in no way pleased. I have cast more than pearls before swine a time or two. Among such figurative pearls--diamonds, and gold. And else. Only a couple of times has it happened. Not talking even remotely gaudy or in bad or questionable taste. But, some people are the type who'd rather get a gift card or a chunk of cash than any gesture that I think is special and personal. They don't get it. No win friends. Probably nothing would have worked out.
I may never be in a situation like that again anyway. Kind of sad, but that is how it is. Any more it is by choice. I see the red flags too soon and too often. It happens when you've been around the block enough to believe that no company is better than bad company or company without respect.
It is an odd feeling to look at my life and realize that I have received far more love than I have respect. I think a person can have one without the other. I prefer both. Love without respect is most likely a form of pity. It doesn't feel that great when you recognize it.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
One More week, give or take a few days
It is probably advisable to look at a map to see how long my trip to the Conch Republic will take, I plan to spend only a day at any stop along the way so I can arrive at a suitable time in the Keys.
There is something very lonely about how this whole thing feels. But I read a quote recently, probably in a John Irving novel: "I've always been lonely. It's the self hatred that is tough to deal with"--or words to that effect.
I'm not so sure I'd class my condition as self hatred. On occasion, self loathing, but mostly just self constriction I think.
Speaking of John Irving, I love most of his writing, but when he gets political it is as if he half heartedly throws in typical Hollywood-type slurs and such which lack full context and tend to be half truths. Fortunately, as of yet I haven't seen him promote the marxist foolishness that many wealthy entertainers pretend to embrace, while doing their best to eke out all the privilege and special treatment they can grab, as well as all the luxuries and toys that money can buy. Actual people in Congress who praise China's ruling system and Castro's "glorious revolution", are also known to be equally hypocritical in that same greedy way.
Maybe if I can organize enough to be ready for blast off, I can actually plan an itinerary and somehow that will make me feel less of an outsider wandering around without even enjoying what I'm doing.
Number one priority is to not let go and slip over the edge. Many a nutcase chose, at some point in time, to just give in to the madness; they gave up. This is what someone I knew many years ago told me; and he was in the counseling field with many more successes under his belt than any other shrink I've ever known or heard about.
I keep that in mind because I believe one is capable of directing his own thoughts, and how he reacts to various stimuli. It is only difficult because there are belief systems and thought patterns which have carved out well travelled paths in the mind. Accepting that the familiar pattens are based on erroneous information and are destructive is tougher than it should be. That is because much of the mind clutter and conclusions that go with it operate automatically and trigger debilitating emotions, or emotions which deter one from seeking and achieving desirable goals.
Who wants to admit his or her beliefs may not be right or even sane? Not I. However, I try to acknowledge the truth of things when I see it, even if it debunks long held views. Not an easy task, but that is what I expect from others so I have to try.
Now, what do six month old baby girls like? I have to get them something. Then there is the 3 year old girl. I have never seen any dolls I like, so that is out. I have already bought them all warm soft boots at one time or another. I noticed that one of the six month babies always has those boots on in the many pictures and videos her mom posts on facebook. Haven't seen what is up with the other one, and that one is the only one, besides me, in this clan that doesn't have dark hair and dark eyes. Well, the only one that shares my bloodline. Her mom is a blue eyed, blondish lady.
Slingshots are probably as inappropriate as BB guns in this situation. I figure they have been born into a world of electronics and virtual everything. I'd prefer to avoid anything digital unless it is non-electronic, like an abacus. Maybe hammers all around. Or hats, though I have never been fond of wearing a hat for more than an hour myself. OK, except one of those kind that you wear when it is cold--the knit things you pull over your head and, sometimes, face.
Parents prefer it if you don't give young children things that make a lot of obnoxious noise, so I will possibly avoid that. They are too young to accept the gift of sage advice. Besides, lately I feel like the older I get, the less wisdom I have to offer. They have all the guidance they need, and from much more credible sources. When it comes time to instigate rebellion, I am probably the best man for the job in this family.
Not sure how things stand with V. lady. Saw her yesterday but always feel like she is uninterested in anything I have to say or think, or do. You cannot demand admiration or respect. You cannot make a person know you aren't a moron by telling her you are brilliant. That is not how it works. The whole thing rattles me a bit. And I honestly don't get it at all. Why even show interest in me if you have no interest?
It is probably unintentional on her part, and most likely some kind of defense mechanism, like my own such mechanisms. Allowing these seemingly involuntary, faux-protective devices to dictate your behavior can ensure a solitary life. It runs off those who prefer a deeper level of intimacy than the most light and shallow of small talk.
This is why I would not be able to handle someone just like me--I wouldn't understand the person at all, and may even find such a personality aloof and offensive.
I'm tempted to say that I think we all feel this is not going to end well. What "this" is, I believe is best not defined. I like happy endings. The other kind of ending is not fulfilling, and no fun. Those things aren't always controllable, and it can happen that a bad ending is had in order to avoid a worse one.
.
There is something very lonely about how this whole thing feels. But I read a quote recently, probably in a John Irving novel: "I've always been lonely. It's the self hatred that is tough to deal with"--or words to that effect.
I'm not so sure I'd class my condition as self hatred. On occasion, self loathing, but mostly just self constriction I think.
Speaking of John Irving, I love most of his writing, but when he gets political it is as if he half heartedly throws in typical Hollywood-type slurs and such which lack full context and tend to be half truths. Fortunately, as of yet I haven't seen him promote the marxist foolishness that many wealthy entertainers pretend to embrace, while doing their best to eke out all the privilege and special treatment they can grab, as well as all the luxuries and toys that money can buy. Actual people in Congress who praise China's ruling system and Castro's "glorious revolution", are also known to be equally hypocritical in that same greedy way.
Maybe if I can organize enough to be ready for blast off, I can actually plan an itinerary and somehow that will make me feel less of an outsider wandering around without even enjoying what I'm doing.
Number one priority is to not let go and slip over the edge. Many a nutcase chose, at some point in time, to just give in to the madness; they gave up. This is what someone I knew many years ago told me; and he was in the counseling field with many more successes under his belt than any other shrink I've ever known or heard about.
I keep that in mind because I believe one is capable of directing his own thoughts, and how he reacts to various stimuli. It is only difficult because there are belief systems and thought patterns which have carved out well travelled paths in the mind. Accepting that the familiar pattens are based on erroneous information and are destructive is tougher than it should be. That is because much of the mind clutter and conclusions that go with it operate automatically and trigger debilitating emotions, or emotions which deter one from seeking and achieving desirable goals.
Who wants to admit his or her beliefs may not be right or even sane? Not I. However, I try to acknowledge the truth of things when I see it, even if it debunks long held views. Not an easy task, but that is what I expect from others so I have to try.
Now, what do six month old baby girls like? I have to get them something. Then there is the 3 year old girl. I have never seen any dolls I like, so that is out. I have already bought them all warm soft boots at one time or another. I noticed that one of the six month babies always has those boots on in the many pictures and videos her mom posts on facebook. Haven't seen what is up with the other one, and that one is the only one, besides me, in this clan that doesn't have dark hair and dark eyes. Well, the only one that shares my bloodline. Her mom is a blue eyed, blondish lady.
Slingshots are probably as inappropriate as BB guns in this situation. I figure they have been born into a world of electronics and virtual everything. I'd prefer to avoid anything digital unless it is non-electronic, like an abacus. Maybe hammers all around. Or hats, though I have never been fond of wearing a hat for more than an hour myself. OK, except one of those kind that you wear when it is cold--the knit things you pull over your head and, sometimes, face.
Parents prefer it if you don't give young children things that make a lot of obnoxious noise, so I will possibly avoid that. They are too young to accept the gift of sage advice. Besides, lately I feel like the older I get, the less wisdom I have to offer. They have all the guidance they need, and from much more credible sources. When it comes time to instigate rebellion, I am probably the best man for the job in this family.
Not sure how things stand with V. lady. Saw her yesterday but always feel like she is uninterested in anything I have to say or think, or do. You cannot demand admiration or respect. You cannot make a person know you aren't a moron by telling her you are brilliant. That is not how it works. The whole thing rattles me a bit. And I honestly don't get it at all. Why even show interest in me if you have no interest?
It is probably unintentional on her part, and most likely some kind of defense mechanism, like my own such mechanisms. Allowing these seemingly involuntary, faux-protective devices to dictate your behavior can ensure a solitary life. It runs off those who prefer a deeper level of intimacy than the most light and shallow of small talk.
This is why I would not be able to handle someone just like me--I wouldn't understand the person at all, and may even find such a personality aloof and offensive.
I'm tempted to say that I think we all feel this is not going to end well. What "this" is, I believe is best not defined. I like happy endings. The other kind of ending is not fulfilling, and no fun. Those things aren't always controllable, and it can happen that a bad ending is had in order to avoid a worse one.
.
Peaks and Valleys
In San Diego county we have what they call micro-climate. It took me awhile to get it when action weather "on your side" would cheerfully announce the "micro-climate forecast". Maybe they do that everywhere and I missed it.
What I know doesn't exist everywhere is different weather and a variance of 10 degrees five or ten miles from a given spot. It must be because of all the randomly aligned ridges and peaks. I guess it can be called mountains. But 6000 feet is about as high as they get around here. I'm at 3000 feet, and if all is well, the coast bottoms out at sea level.
The result of all this micro climate is that I am often in the clouds, and the rain creates a very distinct ambiance, when we are lucky enough to have it. When it rains in some places, the mood of things i not that much different. Here, it is as if someone cut the heat, cranked up the humidifiers full blast, and dimmed the lights low. And on days like today, they put the fans up a notch; just so you can't get away with dodging the rain by being skinny. The mist is blown all over you.
If you aren't sure it is raining, just check the highways. People like to drive very close to the car in front of them when it rains--closer than normal, which is plenty close. And they speed up. Accidents everywhere. But I usually know when it is raining without having to seek the confirmation offered by highway surveillance.
I'm pretty sure the whole deal is a metaphor for the life of a yoyo type personality. All the ups and downs can take a bit of energy, reducing gas milage, but they cause interesting phenomena which is sometimes pleasant and desirable. Although on a bad day they also seem to encourage rapid moving wildfires which ruin everyone's day. Metaphor schmetaphor, I say.
What I know doesn't exist everywhere is different weather and a variance of 10 degrees five or ten miles from a given spot. It must be because of all the randomly aligned ridges and peaks. I guess it can be called mountains. But 6000 feet is about as high as they get around here. I'm at 3000 feet, and if all is well, the coast bottoms out at sea level.
The result of all this micro climate is that I am often in the clouds, and the rain creates a very distinct ambiance, when we are lucky enough to have it. When it rains in some places, the mood of things i not that much different. Here, it is as if someone cut the heat, cranked up the humidifiers full blast, and dimmed the lights low. And on days like today, they put the fans up a notch; just so you can't get away with dodging the rain by being skinny. The mist is blown all over you.
If you aren't sure it is raining, just check the highways. People like to drive very close to the car in front of them when it rains--closer than normal, which is plenty close. And they speed up. Accidents everywhere. But I usually know when it is raining without having to seek the confirmation offered by highway surveillance.
I'm pretty sure the whole deal is a metaphor for the life of a yoyo type personality. All the ups and downs can take a bit of energy, reducing gas milage, but they cause interesting phenomena which is sometimes pleasant and desirable. Although on a bad day they also seem to encourage rapid moving wildfires which ruin everyone's day. Metaphor schmetaphor, I say.
Monday, December 2, 2013
They're at it again
Back in the 60's the issue of drug use, with main focus on marijuana, was progressively hyped to the point that there was no escaping it. Eventually we had police officers give vague lectures about it in schools. They were doing this before I'd ever knowingly encountered this mysterious practice known as "smoking pot".
What the hell does that mean? I didn't know. I knew about drinking illegally, being under age and a regular drinker. Why do they call it pot? All the promotion on the news and from government agencies certainly piqued my curiosity. They seemed to exaggerate and be lost to reality on many other issues so their admonitions against doing something that would never have occurred to me had they not shown hot looking hippy chicks and carefree hipsters enjoying themselves rose quickly to the top of my to-do list.
I credit the TV news of the day with doing more to promote and sell drugs than peer pressure. There are ways to tell stories which convey information, rather than generate fear among parents and giddy excitement among their offspring.
Now we live in times when there is even less parental influence and sane guidance than there was in years past. Hence we have young racists, mostly black, knocking out people who appear to be targeted because they are not black. Old ladies, and anyone else who is likely to be an easy target. And, of course, it is all over the news being glamorized in a way that would appeal to brain dead youth, while scaring others.
We also live in the age in which violent crime is somehow worse if your motive is hatred of a group. Due to political insanity the knockout game crimes are not classed as hate crimes. I am opposed to the whole concept of hate crimes. I don't care why a person was needlessly punched, murdered, etc.--the result for the victim is the same.
But, if they want to prosecute other events differently, calling them hate crimes, then don't pretend it is different in these cases because you are scared of upsetting Al Sharpton and other racial extortionists. Better yet, trash that whole hate crime category and deal with all crimes in an even handed, sane and just manner.
The hate crime concept was only introduced to appease certain groups for the purpose of maintaining voter blocks. Enforce laws against people hurting people even handedly and you don't need to make it a bigger crime to kill someone due to race and gayness or whatever than if the perp just wanted to shoot his neighbor.
The elephant in the room is the fact that black on white crime is extremely high and that the pandering, dishonest approach to the inner city culture, and race has only made things worse. All Americans lose, regardless of subgroup. It doesn't help that white and black fools have driven home the concept that all blacks must think alike. Anyone not on board with that gets labeled as not being true to their identity; not black enough and all that.
This will gain momentum for awhile. Pundits will dream up any number of excuses to explain it, as if these punks actually reason in terms of history or performance art and the like. I
t is as if paid pundits--I don't know what else to call them (they certainly aren't journalists)--and government mouthpieces were never that age and never felt that thirst for power or acceptance, or just the rage, that leads one to do really dumb things without a sense of empathy, and certainly without any level of reasoning. That is what cultural approval or disapproval, guidance from adults, and enforcement of reasonable laws are for. Making excuses and pretending cowardly, aberrant behavior is not what it is has proven highly destructive.
There are a number of things which I think become promoted in this way of "reporting", and I believe it results in a lot of pain which may have been avoided had the subjects been treated differently. When thugs get thwarted or maybe killed when they attempt these assaults, you can bet Al and Jesse will be all over it as if the thugs are victims.
It is a serious problem, the idea in some circles that it is OK to assault certain groups just because of race. I thought we were trying to dispel that idea and eliminate such behavior in this country for the last many decades. The way it is being handled is not helping.
The other overlooked issue is that inner city blacks need to fear each other more than any other race. That is a huge problem. Odd that so little of any consequence is done about that by self styled leaders in that community.
Maybe it would be better to label all Americans as American, and expect a uniform standard of behavior and respect, rather than have the asian community, the black community the privileged, under privileged, etc. That is why I don't go for hyphenated descriptions regarding nationality or continent. If you are confused about where you live or your racial category, get a map and a mirror.
I say black and white because the latin racial designations and such create problems, and who cares. Even though I'm some shade of brown with other tints thrown in, I just say white.
Oh well. On one hand we take much of history out of context, or just lie, to get particular groups angry in order to satisfy the agenda of fools and evil doers, and on the other we pretend to be concerned with the results this sort of chicanery brings.
That's all. They are shamelessly promoting violence while pretending to be too goofy to know. And many politicians, community shamans, teachers, and news spokesmodels truly are too goofy to get it.
What the hell does that mean? I didn't know. I knew about drinking illegally, being under age and a regular drinker. Why do they call it pot? All the promotion on the news and from government agencies certainly piqued my curiosity. They seemed to exaggerate and be lost to reality on many other issues so their admonitions against doing something that would never have occurred to me had they not shown hot looking hippy chicks and carefree hipsters enjoying themselves rose quickly to the top of my to-do list.
I credit the TV news of the day with doing more to promote and sell drugs than peer pressure. There are ways to tell stories which convey information, rather than generate fear among parents and giddy excitement among their offspring.
Now we live in times when there is even less parental influence and sane guidance than there was in years past. Hence we have young racists, mostly black, knocking out people who appear to be targeted because they are not black. Old ladies, and anyone else who is likely to be an easy target. And, of course, it is all over the news being glamorized in a way that would appeal to brain dead youth, while scaring others.
We also live in the age in which violent crime is somehow worse if your motive is hatred of a group. Due to political insanity the knockout game crimes are not classed as hate crimes. I am opposed to the whole concept of hate crimes. I don't care why a person was needlessly punched, murdered, etc.--the result for the victim is the same.
But, if they want to prosecute other events differently, calling them hate crimes, then don't pretend it is different in these cases because you are scared of upsetting Al Sharpton and other racial extortionists. Better yet, trash that whole hate crime category and deal with all crimes in an even handed, sane and just manner.
The hate crime concept was only introduced to appease certain groups for the purpose of maintaining voter blocks. Enforce laws against people hurting people even handedly and you don't need to make it a bigger crime to kill someone due to race and gayness or whatever than if the perp just wanted to shoot his neighbor.
The elephant in the room is the fact that black on white crime is extremely high and that the pandering, dishonest approach to the inner city culture, and race has only made things worse. All Americans lose, regardless of subgroup. It doesn't help that white and black fools have driven home the concept that all blacks must think alike. Anyone not on board with that gets labeled as not being true to their identity; not black enough and all that.
This will gain momentum for awhile. Pundits will dream up any number of excuses to explain it, as if these punks actually reason in terms of history or performance art and the like. I
t is as if paid pundits--I don't know what else to call them (they certainly aren't journalists)--and government mouthpieces were never that age and never felt that thirst for power or acceptance, or just the rage, that leads one to do really dumb things without a sense of empathy, and certainly without any level of reasoning. That is what cultural approval or disapproval, guidance from adults, and enforcement of reasonable laws are for. Making excuses and pretending cowardly, aberrant behavior is not what it is has proven highly destructive.
There are a number of things which I think become promoted in this way of "reporting", and I believe it results in a lot of pain which may have been avoided had the subjects been treated differently. When thugs get thwarted or maybe killed when they attempt these assaults, you can bet Al and Jesse will be all over it as if the thugs are victims.
It is a serious problem, the idea in some circles that it is OK to assault certain groups just because of race. I thought we were trying to dispel that idea and eliminate such behavior in this country for the last many decades. The way it is being handled is not helping.
The other overlooked issue is that inner city blacks need to fear each other more than any other race. That is a huge problem. Odd that so little of any consequence is done about that by self styled leaders in that community.
Maybe it would be better to label all Americans as American, and expect a uniform standard of behavior and respect, rather than have the asian community, the black community the privileged, under privileged, etc. That is why I don't go for hyphenated descriptions regarding nationality or continent. If you are confused about where you live or your racial category, get a map and a mirror.
I say black and white because the latin racial designations and such create problems, and who cares. Even though I'm some shade of brown with other tints thrown in, I just say white.
Oh well. On one hand we take much of history out of context, or just lie, to get particular groups angry in order to satisfy the agenda of fools and evil doers, and on the other we pretend to be concerned with the results this sort of chicanery brings.
That's all. They are shamelessly promoting violence while pretending to be too goofy to know. And many politicians, community shamans, teachers, and news spokesmodels truly are too goofy to get it.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Compulsively Alone, I guess
So, Vagabond lady and super cool daughter (age 21) wanted to come see me play. I explained that I'm not getting paid and don't know what I'm going do, whether I'll play with anyone and if so, with whom, etc. They wanted to come anyway.
There is a regular gathering at a place which has the idea that a combination of Greek and Mexican cuisines is a good idea. I don't even eat most things on the menu, but I can tell you it is something that triggers in me an uncharacteristic gratitude that I neither eat meat nor fish nor lamb nor fowl.
A good room for playing though.
They showed up. It looked like I wasn't going to play for quite some time. Eventually they took off to go see a movie. I was more comfortable after they took off. I've learned that it i easier not to ask anyone to come see me play, especially when I don't know what I'm going to play. If I am ever with a really good group, playing a really good venue, and I know and love the music, maybe then I'd invite people.
Outside of those parameters I've never seen it work out. It is always stressful and disappointing. I ended up on one good song. Amos did a good job on St James Infirmary. A minor, so I was in my safe zone. And the structure of the tune makes sense. Some of the stuff people like to do makes no sense to me, but I have narrow taste. Many tried and true tunes do nothing for me, yet many guitar players and others love the songs.
What scares me is that I have no idea how to behave in most situations involving Vagabond Lady. I doubt it will end well. Or maybe I am dooming it from the get go because I'd rather go straight to that lost feeling rejection can bring, without enduring the shock that comes with crushed dreams and dashed hope.
I had no idea my neglect of all had left me in such a state of social dysfunction. Do I go to the effort of trying to change things, or go back to searching out the edge of the earth so I can drive over never to be found? Either one sounds like more work than I want to do. Probably better to brave it through the awkward social trials and face inevitable heart shredding as a test of courage and character.
Years ago, when I would cry, "leave me alone!", my mother cautioned me that I should be careful because I may get what I ask for. She was way too right on that one. I'm tired of trying to bend to fit where I wish I could. It never works, and who could possibly fit with me in any natural, non stressful way? I know. I can't think of anyone, either.
Vagabond lady is really trying to make an effort, I think. I am just not sure how to handle it. I don't have the money to take control of things and be a hotshot. Supposedly that isn't required but I think it is.
Documenting for ?
It has come to my attention that no matter where you go, someone is going to be putting it up on facebook. I do not want every visit to anywhere to be documented. I end up having to explain, in certain cases, "yes, I worked in the morning and got a call to stop by house X where they were playing music" because the person was thinking I said I was working but there he is on some lunatic's facebook page not working.
Really, is it necessary or desirable to document every moment and put it online? I think not in both cases. We have a culture in which people follow themselves around like paparazzi. They are their own stalkers, posting pictures of every move they make. People stalking themselves for photo ops then putting it on facebook. I'm wondering if self-cyber bullying will be the next phase.
Maybe if I quit showing up, I can avoid the shock of seeing images of myself which I'd rather not have posted. It's just a by-product, collateral damage, of the auto-paparazzi syndrome.
Really, is it necessary or desirable to document every moment and put it online? I think not in both cases. We have a culture in which people follow themselves around like paparazzi. They are their own stalkers, posting pictures of every move they make. People stalking themselves for photo ops then putting it on facebook. I'm wondering if self-cyber bullying will be the next phase.
Maybe if I quit showing up, I can avoid the shock of seeing images of myself which I'd rather not have posted. It's just a by-product, collateral damage, of the auto-paparazzi syndrome.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Avoiding Crowds and stuff
It has become evident that I avoid crowds more now than ever. And I always disliked being in large gatherings, unless I had a quick and easy escape.
Just something I noticed.
Another thing I noticed, but managed to miss this year, is that stupid bit of brain washing and training of the public to view the president as a monarch or despot or deity--- that stupid, ridiculous thing of pardoning a turkey. It honestly turn my stomach and annoy me to the point of wanting to loudly protest and throw things.
Seriously, imagine what an insult to someone like Michael Behenna, or others in federal prison who should be pardoned and released. But no, the arrogant presidents who do this ritual and the sycophantic, goof ball press make a big deal of pardoning one of those turkeys that can't even walk.
The whole ritual smacks of reminding us that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, and the Lord is the head administrator of the federal government. What is wrong with people that they roll right along with this insulting insanity? If only mutant, factory bred turkeys could wield a gun. I'd love to see one cap the dog or maybe shoot a politician in the foot or off itself just as the president pronounces his pardon. The dumb ass public won't rebel against this kind of thing. Maybe the butterball turkeys will.
I'd love to see a president with the courage and integrity to call this out for what it is, and instead pardon a thousand prisoners who ought not be locked up. Many of them are there for political reasons of one sort or another.
At least I didn't get stuck watching the president making this annual joke of his absolute power over life and death. Only a real creepy prick would be so spineless as to pardon a turkey and leave real, deserving humans to rot in prison. That speaks poorly of the last many presidents we've had that none of them have acknowledged the impropriety of flaunting their power in this lame ass lampoon. "Haha, I'm so homey. The joke's on me as I show off my power by pardoning poultry. Haha. What a cool guy am I. I'm your cool president who saved a mutant turkey and left a good soldier in prison!"
Oh, but if I don't exempt this pres. from criticism, Chris Matthews say I'm racist. Horse's ass, or what? No, Chris, that's not it, I'm fowlaphobic, you defective nutcase.
If you don't like how some outfit does things, don't go there. I've got mixed feelings. Probably not for any of the reasons listed in the log of what is considered the two sides of this crisis. It must be a crisis.
Where the hell have people been if they never worked on thanksgiving, or availed themselves of the goods and/or services of those who do work thanksgiving? I think most of the time you get double time for holidays. I did, and it was not a union job. Plus if my work schedule didn't fall on a holiday, I would often volunteer to work it so other could take the day off to abuse their children.
I wonder if Memphis had any of its usual Thanksgiving family shootouts. It used to be that some family would consist of several people packing heat, and the cumulative IQ of the entire group was about 2. An argument would break out over football, or other non crucial topic, and pretty soon their shooting one another. Personally I think it is OK, as long as they keep it in the family. That natural selection played through a Marshal stack, displayed in hi def.
Even I drew the line when, in Memphis, the thirty something son shot the mom over an argument about doing the dishes. There are some weird things going on out here, but in Memphis it was a much creepier weird in some ways. Angrier type of weird. Sad.
Really, it all relates. Creepy Shades of Weird; saving mutant turkeys, and families giving thanks by shooting and stabbing each other. A serious moral void either way.
Just something I noticed.
Another thing I noticed, but managed to miss this year, is that stupid bit of brain washing and training of the public to view the president as a monarch or despot or deity--- that stupid, ridiculous thing of pardoning a turkey. It honestly turn my stomach and annoy me to the point of wanting to loudly protest and throw things.
Seriously, imagine what an insult to someone like Michael Behenna, or others in federal prison who should be pardoned and released. But no, the arrogant presidents who do this ritual and the sycophantic, goof ball press make a big deal of pardoning one of those turkeys that can't even walk.
The whole ritual smacks of reminding us that the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, and the Lord is the head administrator of the federal government. What is wrong with people that they roll right along with this insulting insanity? If only mutant, factory bred turkeys could wield a gun. I'd love to see one cap the dog or maybe shoot a politician in the foot or off itself just as the president pronounces his pardon. The dumb ass public won't rebel against this kind of thing. Maybe the butterball turkeys will.
I'd love to see a president with the courage and integrity to call this out for what it is, and instead pardon a thousand prisoners who ought not be locked up. Many of them are there for political reasons of one sort or another.
At least I didn't get stuck watching the president making this annual joke of his absolute power over life and death. Only a real creepy prick would be so spineless as to pardon a turkey and leave real, deserving humans to rot in prison. That speaks poorly of the last many presidents we've had that none of them have acknowledged the impropriety of flaunting their power in this lame ass lampoon. "Haha, I'm so homey. The joke's on me as I show off my power by pardoning poultry. Haha. What a cool guy am I. I'm your cool president who saved a mutant turkey and left a good soldier in prison!"
Oh, but if I don't exempt this pres. from criticism, Chris Matthews say I'm racist. Horse's ass, or what? No, Chris, that's not it, I'm fowlaphobic, you defective nutcase.
If you don't like how some outfit does things, don't go there. I've got mixed feelings. Probably not for any of the reasons listed in the log of what is considered the two sides of this crisis. It must be a crisis.
Where the hell have people been if they never worked on thanksgiving, or availed themselves of the goods and/or services of those who do work thanksgiving? I think most of the time you get double time for holidays. I did, and it was not a union job. Plus if my work schedule didn't fall on a holiday, I would often volunteer to work it so other could take the day off to abuse their children.
I wonder if Memphis had any of its usual Thanksgiving family shootouts. It used to be that some family would consist of several people packing heat, and the cumulative IQ of the entire group was about 2. An argument would break out over football, or other non crucial topic, and pretty soon their shooting one another. Personally I think it is OK, as long as they keep it in the family. That natural selection played through a Marshal stack, displayed in hi def.
Even I drew the line when, in Memphis, the thirty something son shot the mom over an argument about doing the dishes. There are some weird things going on out here, but in Memphis it was a much creepier weird in some ways. Angrier type of weird. Sad.
Really, it all relates. Creepy Shades of Weird; saving mutant turkeys, and families giving thanks by shooting and stabbing each other. A serious moral void either way.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
In the Dead of Night
Sleep rhythm seems to be off. But it is OK to stay awake if your mind is racing in a tone of hopeful wandering. I keep getting glimmers of things that start to make me give a damn, and actually want to outline a plan.
Under the right circumstances, and on the off chance dozens of other factors line up just right, a plan could go into action. We'll see. In any case, it is good to get that glimmer because I forgot what it felt like to see the glass as at least having some water. It may not be half full but it is enough to last a family of six, in some part of the world, for a week.
These are interesting times. I may end up liking the holidays. That is my tendency anyway.
It has really become evident that I misread my brother for decades because I believed all the trash he talked until he hit high school. I rarely saw him in that period so I was suspicious and intimidated by his sudden respect and good will. Another year might have done it. It was a complex and somewhat destructive (primarily for me) family dynamic. Those things die hard, but for crying out loud they really must be let go.
Anyway it is hard not to brag on my favorite sibling, but he has done what he's done, not me. Besides it probably comes across a little strange. He is remarkable, and quite generous, and would be incredulous at my negligence in many things. He probably has an idea and marvels that I survive. It is probably high time to bring in some dough.
Not to say he makes everyone happy. He' learned how to turn his natural eccentricities into charm, whereas in early life they seemed as charming a fingernails scratching down a blackboard. If you are too young for that one, try as charming as a frisky cop with a taser. Adults of that era hated a kid that could out debate them, and with a larger vocabulary than they could manage. But I thought he was an idiot for not knowing when to be silent. Younger brothers did not enjoy being taunted with unknown words by one who refused to define or spell them.
If I'm not going to kick the bucket soon, gaining some security would be a considerate thing to do. Then those who care won't think of you in some pained way. And you don't think of yourself in some pained way, which removes a barrier that causes you to avoid those who care the most for fear of letting them down.
It costs a bundle to get a major service done. No matter that I had no idea it was not running as well as it could. Discernible difference.
These danged kids making babies. What can you get a 6 month old? In the good old days you just got them BB guns, and at three, a .22. Then a small motorcycle or a tractor. Of course you gave them knives along the way.
I'd get the two six month olds, well one is six months and the other is five months, BB guns but in this dadgum nanny state state of affairs that would bring outrage. Maybe even get me arrested. Same deal if I give them pocket knives. Most dolls are stupid, but I'm thinking authentic voodoo dolls, fitted with velcro so the pins could be replaced with velcro tipped darts--for safety. When they get a little older, like old enough to walk, the velcro can be removed and the real pins brought out.
.
Under the right circumstances, and on the off chance dozens of other factors line up just right, a plan could go into action. We'll see. In any case, it is good to get that glimmer because I forgot what it felt like to see the glass as at least having some water. It may not be half full but it is enough to last a family of six, in some part of the world, for a week.
These are interesting times. I may end up liking the holidays. That is my tendency anyway.
It has really become evident that I misread my brother for decades because I believed all the trash he talked until he hit high school. I rarely saw him in that period so I was suspicious and intimidated by his sudden respect and good will. Another year might have done it. It was a complex and somewhat destructive (primarily for me) family dynamic. Those things die hard, but for crying out loud they really must be let go.
Anyway it is hard not to brag on my favorite sibling, but he has done what he's done, not me. Besides it probably comes across a little strange. He is remarkable, and quite generous, and would be incredulous at my negligence in many things. He probably has an idea and marvels that I survive. It is probably high time to bring in some dough.
Not to say he makes everyone happy. He' learned how to turn his natural eccentricities into charm, whereas in early life they seemed as charming a fingernails scratching down a blackboard. If you are too young for that one, try as charming as a frisky cop with a taser. Adults of that era hated a kid that could out debate them, and with a larger vocabulary than they could manage. But I thought he was an idiot for not knowing when to be silent. Younger brothers did not enjoy being taunted with unknown words by one who refused to define or spell them.
If I'm not going to kick the bucket soon, gaining some security would be a considerate thing to do. Then those who care won't think of you in some pained way. And you don't think of yourself in some pained way, which removes a barrier that causes you to avoid those who care the most for fear of letting them down.
It costs a bundle to get a major service done. No matter that I had no idea it was not running as well as it could. Discernible difference.
These danged kids making babies. What can you get a 6 month old? In the good old days you just got them BB guns, and at three, a .22. Then a small motorcycle or a tractor. Of course you gave them knives along the way.
I'd get the two six month olds, well one is six months and the other is five months, BB guns but in this dadgum nanny state state of affairs that would bring outrage. Maybe even get me arrested. Same deal if I give them pocket knives. Most dolls are stupid, but I'm thinking authentic voodoo dolls, fitted with velcro so the pins could be replaced with velcro tipped darts--for safety. When they get a little older, like old enough to walk, the velcro can be removed and the real pins brought out.
.
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About Me
- John0 Juanderlust
- Ballistic Mountain, CA, United States
- Like spring on a summer's day
