It twas the friday before the memorial day weekend--a good day to goof off! I had an old client call me who was thinking of moving back to Kansas this year! Wow!, moving from San Diego to Kansas--bummer on the weather. But since I am from Minnesota originally, there is something to be said about the simplicity of the midwest. Four distinct seasons provide variety in the challenges of living each part of the year, and the pace of life, as I remember, is more tuned with both nature and with neighborly relationships. Don't think I would head back that way though. I did, however, spend a few months during the summer in Kansas City once when I got out of college, and thought it was preety nice!
So I had a morning filled with business--! Even worked through lunch! About 1:30 I decided that the best use of most of the rest of my day was to pursue my physical conditioning goal for the year and hop on my bike for a trip south from Encinitas to Del Mar, which I figured would be about 15 miles round trip along old hwy 101 south. So, on with the spandex,the funny shoes, and the helmut and gloves, and away down the hill to 101. On my last excursion a couple of days ago, I headed north to Carlsbad, always a good trip. But had a bad experience! Some nuts in a SUV tossed a water balloon out the window as they passed me and hit me right in the middle of the back. Surprise!!!! Must have been some kids--who didn't know any better--because it could have been a dangerous prank--it could have ended in a fall--possibly into the path of an on-coming car--and squish!! Going to Del Mar seemed like a more civilized destination on Friday!! I read that a biker had been hit by a truck in the San Diego area a week ago and died. It seems to happen a couple times a year in the San Diego area--So I am always careful and ride defensively!!
So, I zipped down the hill riding my brakes, across the railway tracks to olde downtown Encinitas and headed south! Its four or five blocks of businesses in one of the last and best preserved beachtowns on the coast before one comes to "Swamis", which is a retreat and religious center on the bluffs above one of the best surf breaks on the south coast. Why Swami's? It was built by an honest to goodness Swami back in the early part of the 20th centrury, and is still an active retreat for his followers--The "Self Realizatin Center". People come there from all over the world to meditate! Locals go there to surf! There is a small overlook park where you can stop and look down the bluff at all the surfers waiting for their wave, or take a trip down the access stairs to the beach for a walk. If the tide is low, there are some great tide pool areas to explore for all the little sea creatures that live in the tidal zone. You might guess that Encinitas has lots of yoga studios!!
Heading south from Swami's, there is a great view of the ocean--I have seen whales spouting as they swan along the coast on their migration, and sometimes porpoise jumping just outside the surf line. Then,just down the road, it's always fun to see all the camping rigs pulled into the seaside Cardiff State Beach Campground. On past "resturant row", some beachfront resturants, mostly for the tourists (Charthouse,e.g.), and up a short hill to Solana Beach. Two more miles and I am zipping down a hill past the Del Mar fairgrounds on the east side of 101, and Del Mar's Dog Beach on the right. It is about the only beach area left where dogs can run free. If you go there, watch where you step!!
Into the Beach Colony of Del Mar, where a home on the beachfront sand usually runs for 6 million to 11 million depending on how much sand there is on the lot. If you are a block off the beach, you can buy something for about 3 million. That's about a 4-5000 sq foot lot and a nice little beach house. If you got it, flaunt it!!
Up a hill into the Del Mar Village area. The incorporated area of Del Mar is pretty small--the population is only about 4500 people. Alot of what is considered Del Mar (92014) is part of the city of San Diego. So if one lives in the actual city of Del Mar it tends to cost more and is a bit more "toney". The streets in the village area are "windy" with lots of protected Torrey Pines (trees), and great ocean views, and even a itsy bitsy little cottage built in 1955 with no view is 1.5 mil +. The zoning usually allows only a 25% sq footage allowance for the lot which means that big lots--like 10000+
sq ft are worth about 1.5 million just for the dirt. So someone buys a small home that is 1500 sq ft on a 10000 sqft view lot for 1.8 mil, tears it down, and puts up somthing thats 2500 sq ft--still not huge, but new with a view and worth 3 mil. Ahh, how the wealthy live!!! Their vacation homes!!
Today I stopped at the bus stop in front of the L'Auberge Hotel in Del Mar to drink some water and rest before heading home--also to watch the activity a bit ( all the blondes in their Mercedes 450 SLs). There was what looked like a homeless person sitting down the bench aways-(it was a long bench)--who came over and asked me to open his twist-off cap on a plastic bottle of Pepsi. ( He was a very small homeless person) Of course I did. He went back to his plastic bags on the bench and swigged his pepsi, thankful for the twist!! So a good deed for the day as well a a nice ride!!
Friday, May 28, 2004
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Golf goals!
I recently joined a golf club. Well, really the men's club at the Oceanside Municipal Golf course, mainly because I decided to take golf seriously again while I was still able. It was the cheapest men's group around--only $50. Most of the members are retired and play the short tees which are only about 6000 yds--I play the blues which are 6450 yds--so I don't think I will play in their tournements--but it will allow me to establish a handicap. In my 62nd year I figured I did not have that many years left of athleticism--so I figured if I was ever going to have a single digit handicap--I had better work on it in the next year or so--or my body was not probably going to allow it in the future!! So my goal in the next year is to work at my game and get my handicap down to a single digit--not 9.5 or 9.2--but 9 or less. So during the last 8-9 weeks I have dutifully turned in my scores, have spent more time at the driving range, had a certain amount of determination, and have put on a game face when I have actually played a round of golf. Some days I have done well, others not so well, but I think I am making progress.
I have now turned in about 8 scores. I think it takes 10 scores before a handicap actually gets calculated, but the computer says that I am trending with a 13.5 as of my last round today. Believe it or not, that is an improving trend from the 14.5 of a couple of weeks ago. So, I am going in the right direction!!
Today I shot a 39 on the front and had high hopes for a great score--obviously another 39 on the back will be a total of 78 for the round--I think I only broke 80 once many years ago--but the back nine is a bit tougher--and as usual I hit a few bad shots on the back nine which ballooned my score on to a 46--damn trees and water hazards!! But 85 was not a real bad score--and with some further improvement I think I will make my goal this year.
Then when I am 80 years old and out on the course with all the young whippersnappers hitting it 100 yds past me, I can say "well, ya know, I used to be a single digit handicap!" That's the goal--!!! (or perhaps the more important goal is to be 80 and still hitting a golf ball any distance at all!!)
Why have a Handicap? It defines you as a golfer. And, you can go anywhere in the world to play in a tournement that is "sanctioned" by any club or golf assn--Well, I havn't yet, but you never know!!
I have now turned in about 8 scores. I think it takes 10 scores before a handicap actually gets calculated, but the computer says that I am trending with a 13.5 as of my last round today. Believe it or not, that is an improving trend from the 14.5 of a couple of weeks ago. So, I am going in the right direction!!
Today I shot a 39 on the front and had high hopes for a great score--obviously another 39 on the back will be a total of 78 for the round--I think I only broke 80 once many years ago--but the back nine is a bit tougher--and as usual I hit a few bad shots on the back nine which ballooned my score on to a 46--damn trees and water hazards!! But 85 was not a real bad score--and with some further improvement I think I will make my goal this year.
Then when I am 80 years old and out on the course with all the young whippersnappers hitting it 100 yds past me, I can say "well, ya know, I used to be a single digit handicap!" That's the goal--!!! (or perhaps the more important goal is to be 80 and still hitting a golf ball any distance at all!!)
Why have a Handicap? It defines you as a golfer. And, you can go anywhere in the world to play in a tournement that is "sanctioned" by any club or golf assn--Well, I havn't yet, but you never know!!
Monday, May 24, 2004
Weekend update
It was another beautiful weekend in Encinitas! I and "Garage Sale Bob" went forth on Saturday Morn at about 7am and cruised the area for sales. Bob is always looking for bikes, and scored a pretty good hit on a road bike that had a nice lightweight alum frame. The componenets on it were a bit dated--but for 20 bucks it was a good buy. He saw another at the same sale that was a Softride mountain bike that new is pretty expensive. This one was a little tarnished. He offered 20 bucks for it and the teenager that was selling said OK. But Bob did not have enough money, and said he would come back for it--he came back later in the morning and the seller had talked to his dad who told him that he couldn't sell it for just $20--So Bob asked him if he would take $50--but only had a $100 bill--and the kid had no change--Bottom line--he missed the bike! "Garage Sale Bob" struck out!!
Did the Carlsbad 20 mile round trip on the Cannondale to fill out the rest of my Sat morn. Sunday was the Carlsbad Triathilon, and Sat they had signup booths and lots of vender booths in the beach area off 101 in South Carlbad. Lots of hard bodies around town. I felt pretty bush league walking my $25 garage sale Cannondale bike around the booths--looking at all the $3000+ bikes and all the spandex outfits with alot of flat ABS and tight butts. Gives me something to aspire to--although my time for that ,I think, has passed me by.
Late Saturday afternoon I threw my fishing pole in the car and took the 2 minute drive down the hill to moonlight beach to spend some time soaking the bottom half of me in the surf while I tried to torture some surf perch. Managed to catch and release 3-4 of them before my body started to wrinkle up and I thought I should call it a day.
Sunday was up at about 7 and we went to Pipes for breakfast as usual--lots of carbs and chloresteral(sp.?)- actually went to work and did an open house in the afternoon.
We had my favorite aunt and her friend over for dinner, and drank to much! A successful way to end the weekend, but decided that I didn't do myself any favors when I crawled out of bed on Monday morning. It must have been the Grand Marnier!
Ah well, we never learn!!
Did the Carlsbad 20 mile round trip on the Cannondale to fill out the rest of my Sat morn. Sunday was the Carlsbad Triathilon, and Sat they had signup booths and lots of vender booths in the beach area off 101 in South Carlbad. Lots of hard bodies around town. I felt pretty bush league walking my $25 garage sale Cannondale bike around the booths--looking at all the $3000+ bikes and all the spandex outfits with alot of flat ABS and tight butts. Gives me something to aspire to--although my time for that ,I think, has passed me by.
Late Saturday afternoon I threw my fishing pole in the car and took the 2 minute drive down the hill to moonlight beach to spend some time soaking the bottom half of me in the surf while I tried to torture some surf perch. Managed to catch and release 3-4 of them before my body started to wrinkle up and I thought I should call it a day.
Sunday was up at about 7 and we went to Pipes for breakfast as usual--lots of carbs and chloresteral(sp.?)- actually went to work and did an open house in the afternoon.
We had my favorite aunt and her friend over for dinner, and drank to much! A successful way to end the weekend, but decided that I didn't do myself any favors when I crawled out of bed on Monday morning. It must have been the Grand Marnier!
Ah well, we never learn!!
Friday, May 21, 2004
A Cat's Story--a poem
We adopted a kitten,
found under a car,
parked at a church,
that wasn't to far.
from our home.
The poor little thing,
was all wet and cold,
alone and so sad,
with no hopes to hold,
up it's spirit.
With some warmth and some food,
and a cage of her own,
her eyes became brightened,
no longer alone,
in her life.
When she stuck out her paw,
through the wire cage door,
we were instantly smitten,
she was ours evermore,
to purr with.
That kitten, now Hallie,
has grown up so sweet,
a part of our household,
the first one to greet,
at our door.
She does have a language,
and thinks she can say,
just how things have been,
all during her day,
just lazing around.
We keep her inside,
to protect all the birds,
so she hunts from the window,
with grunts and cat grrrs,
a predator deterred.
I wonder if this foundling cat,
found underneath a car,
thinks life is always just like that,
to have to come so far,
from deep sadness.
found under a car,
parked at a church,
that wasn't to far.
from our home.
The poor little thing,
was all wet and cold,
alone and so sad,
with no hopes to hold,
up it's spirit.
With some warmth and some food,
and a cage of her own,
her eyes became brightened,
no longer alone,
in her life.
When she stuck out her paw,
through the wire cage door,
we were instantly smitten,
she was ours evermore,
to purr with.
That kitten, now Hallie,
has grown up so sweet,
a part of our household,
the first one to greet,
at our door.
She does have a language,
and thinks she can say,
just how things have been,
all during her day,
just lazing around.
We keep her inside,
to protect all the birds,
so she hunts from the window,
with grunts and cat grrrs,
a predator deterred.
I wonder if this foundling cat,
found underneath a car,
thinks life is always just like that,
to have to come so far,
from deep sadness.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Biking 101--a tour north from Encinitas to Carlsbad.
I decided to get back on my Cannondale after a couple of years of putting on about 20 lbs, and starting to look pregnant when I stood sideways to the mirror. So I am trying to take off the excess by putting on about 50 miles a week pumping a bike up or down old Hwy 101. Encinitas is in a great location to head south or north. Alot of the road has a bike path and as they do improvements here and there new bike paths are added.
My standard 20 miler is to head north to Carlsbad. In the first mile there is a funky path/walkway along the road through, naturally, funky Luecadia, with a line of small trees between the road and the path. The city trims the bottom part of the trees that overhang the path so walkers don't have to duck, but if you are on a 60 cm bike, watch your head! That lasts about a block or so then its back onto the road. There is alot of bike traffic on 101 so people are aware of bikers and don't get pushy--but where there is parking on the side, plus traffic, bikers have to stay alert for doors that might open in front of them, and buses and trucks which cause tight passing situations. (A friend of mine a few years ago acquired a number of scars from hitting a door which suddenly opened in his path in Luecadia.)
After the first two miles you'll leave Luecadia and the road opens up to the beach, plus there is bike path almost all the way to Carlsbad from this point. Very scenic, with very moderate rolling hills for the next 6-8 miles. I am a slow rider, so I get to see most of the scenery, check out the beach activity and often stop to scope out the luck of any fishermen I find along the way. Not only that but I see alot of bikers, guys and gals, because they all pass me. I hear alot of "on your left" as they come up on me, and wonder how they can zoom by me like that when it seems to me that I am churning about as good as I can churn. I think it has something to do with age and conditioning! I have decided that it is not the distance that I cover in a given time frame that is important for my purposes. Rather, it is the time I spend pumping away at it. So while I can appreciate the speed and power of most of the bikers who zoom by me, I feel good about the fact that I am out there pumping away for 5 hours a week to get in the 50 miles even though many others might do in half the time.
(The only thing I regret is that it is hard to find people that ride at my speed, so I am the lone rider.)
Now the Carlsbad power plant with its giant smokestack juts into the sky ahead. Sometimes if the time is short--the power plant is the destination--round trip to there is 14-15 miles. There is a nice hill north of the power plant leading down to the lagoon which feeds cooling water to the plant. Its a pretty good place to fish so there are usually 5-10 poles in the water hoping for halibut or bass. There is also a big aqua farm in the lagoon which grows clams which are harvested and shipped to resturants near and far.
Pump across the bridge and up the hill to Carlsbad Village, which also has a unique beach personality, with good tourist facilities, beaches, resturants, and quite a few antique stores and other quaint boutiques.
Sometimes it is worth a spin around the sidestreets, down State Street north, to see whats going on at the train station, or to stop at the local bike shop to see what's new. I usually end up on the north side of town at the Army and Navy Boys Academy and cut over to Pacific, which runs right next to the beach. Although the beach side of the street is built out, there are a number of public accesses if you want to stop and take your bike down the stairs. The end of the street runs right into a small ocean front park at the south end of the village which is a great place to stop, take off your helmut, sit on a bench, watch the surfers, and have some water and a power bar.
Then its back on the bike for the trip home. Fortunately, going south is usually downwind!! There is a fairly short, but steep hill on the street leading to my home. When I first started riding a few years ago, it took me about a month before I could pump up it after riding 20 miles. Today was my fourth time out in the last 10 days--the first three times I walked it. Today I pumped up it. Ahhh, progress!!
My standard 20 miler is to head north to Carlsbad. In the first mile there is a funky path/walkway along the road through, naturally, funky Luecadia, with a line of small trees between the road and the path. The city trims the bottom part of the trees that overhang the path so walkers don't have to duck, but if you are on a 60 cm bike, watch your head! That lasts about a block or so then its back onto the road. There is alot of bike traffic on 101 so people are aware of bikers and don't get pushy--but where there is parking on the side, plus traffic, bikers have to stay alert for doors that might open in front of them, and buses and trucks which cause tight passing situations. (A friend of mine a few years ago acquired a number of scars from hitting a door which suddenly opened in his path in Luecadia.)
After the first two miles you'll leave Luecadia and the road opens up to the beach, plus there is bike path almost all the way to Carlsbad from this point. Very scenic, with very moderate rolling hills for the next 6-8 miles. I am a slow rider, so I get to see most of the scenery, check out the beach activity and often stop to scope out the luck of any fishermen I find along the way. Not only that but I see alot of bikers, guys and gals, because they all pass me. I hear alot of "on your left" as they come up on me, and wonder how they can zoom by me like that when it seems to me that I am churning about as good as I can churn. I think it has something to do with age and conditioning! I have decided that it is not the distance that I cover in a given time frame that is important for my purposes. Rather, it is the time I spend pumping away at it. So while I can appreciate the speed and power of most of the bikers who zoom by me, I feel good about the fact that I am out there pumping away for 5 hours a week to get in the 50 miles even though many others might do in half the time.
(The only thing I regret is that it is hard to find people that ride at my speed, so I am the lone rider.)
Now the Carlsbad power plant with its giant smokestack juts into the sky ahead. Sometimes if the time is short--the power plant is the destination--round trip to there is 14-15 miles. There is a nice hill north of the power plant leading down to the lagoon which feeds cooling water to the plant. Its a pretty good place to fish so there are usually 5-10 poles in the water hoping for halibut or bass. There is also a big aqua farm in the lagoon which grows clams which are harvested and shipped to resturants near and far.
Pump across the bridge and up the hill to Carlsbad Village, which also has a unique beach personality, with good tourist facilities, beaches, resturants, and quite a few antique stores and other quaint boutiques.
Sometimes it is worth a spin around the sidestreets, down State Street north, to see whats going on at the train station, or to stop at the local bike shop to see what's new. I usually end up on the north side of town at the Army and Navy Boys Academy and cut over to Pacific, which runs right next to the beach. Although the beach side of the street is built out, there are a number of public accesses if you want to stop and take your bike down the stairs. The end of the street runs right into a small ocean front park at the south end of the village which is a great place to stop, take off your helmut, sit on a bench, watch the surfers, and have some water and a power bar.
Then its back on the bike for the trip home. Fortunately, going south is usually downwind!! There is a fairly short, but steep hill on the street leading to my home. When I first started riding a few years ago, it took me about a month before I could pump up it after riding 20 miles. Today was my fourth time out in the last 10 days--the first three times I walked it. Today I pumped up it. Ahhh, progress!!
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Michael Moore vs Rush Limbaugh
What ever happen to the middle! Here is a question for you: Who do you think would be the most interesting dinner companion, Michael or Rush?
A person's answer would seem to define him in today's world! You are either a "Michael" or a "Rush". I remember when alot of people "Liked Ike." Both the Democrats and the Republicans pursued him for their candidate. While he was a hero to the masses and a sho-in for election, he was still the middle of America. He was A Republican who could make a speech warning us of the dangers of war and the military-industrial partnerships who benefited from it and were the powers which needed to be monitored and controlled by America's moderate middle.
While I have always been a registered Democrat, until the last few years, it mattered more to me who I thought the best candidate to be, not so much whether I voted for a Democrat or a Republican. I tended to vote for Republican presidents, and Democratic representitives. There were moderates in each party which seemed to be able to actually reach consensus on most things--and solve problems, and pass great legislation which improved our country and our society.
Has politics and our society really changed so much from two decades or so ago that Michael and Rush could not sit down at the same table without a food-fight? That's the way it appears! I think that the great proliferation of talk radio and Cable TV has created a constant pounding of news, politics, and nastiness never before seen on a daily basis. And it is there in front of the public N O W!
Sessions of Congress are all televised. I remember seeing a Congressional hearing after the Republicans took over party chairmanships after they became the majority in the house. The new Republican chairman was basically just rude and boorish in his treatment of Democratic members. Why do I still remember that! It certainly made a very deep impression on me. Perhaps in the days prior to "full" disclosure of "everything" people in these powerful positions had some degree of privacy to think about how they would present themselves publically. Now, they are always in the public, and all the warts show. And the drums are always being pounded. And I am of the opinion that I will never vote for another Republican no matter what! So I am now a part of it!
The public is always being pounded. By both the far left and the far right! It seems the far right is better at it and as a result has the bigger drum which tends to win the noise contest. And I have come to the conclusion that there are to many people out there whose opinion can be formed by whoever has the biggest drum and pounds it the longest and the loudest and makes it sound good no matter whether the message is reality or not.
So the far right politically is in your face--a force to reckoned with--and opposed by those on the left who view it as a danger to society.
So "you are either with us or agin' us."
When George Bush came to office, almost everthing that Clinton had for policy initiatives were considered "dead" in the water. Most notably peace processes in the middle east, which were basically ignored until the middle east once again blew up with the same old see-saw that had been going on for 50 years--a "terrorist" act by the Palistinieans, usually a suicide bomber, and a counterattack by the Israeli Army. After three years of the Bush administration, the Israeli situation is the same see-saw going up and down as it has for 50 years.
Remember that a just a couple of Presidents ago, foriegn policy initiatives which were good for the country and the world carried through multiple administrations until they bore fruit. But, it seems, not any more--when you are either "for us or agin'us".
Black and white is a very limited color selection!
Wouldn't it be great to put Michael and Rush together alone on a deserted island with the objective of solving all the great problems of the world--and not letting them off until they have reached a consensus on each of them as to a course of action. That would be the ulitimate reality show. We could call it "Ultimate Survivor".
One of my favorite quotes is from HDT in Waldon--"Niceness is the only investment that never fails". That is the investment we all need to make in one another to meet in the middle again.
A person's answer would seem to define him in today's world! You are either a "Michael" or a "Rush". I remember when alot of people "Liked Ike." Both the Democrats and the Republicans pursued him for their candidate. While he was a hero to the masses and a sho-in for election, he was still the middle of America. He was A Republican who could make a speech warning us of the dangers of war and the military-industrial partnerships who benefited from it and were the powers which needed to be monitored and controlled by America's moderate middle.
While I have always been a registered Democrat, until the last few years, it mattered more to me who I thought the best candidate to be, not so much whether I voted for a Democrat or a Republican. I tended to vote for Republican presidents, and Democratic representitives. There were moderates in each party which seemed to be able to actually reach consensus on most things--and solve problems, and pass great legislation which improved our country and our society.
Has politics and our society really changed so much from two decades or so ago that Michael and Rush could not sit down at the same table without a food-fight? That's the way it appears! I think that the great proliferation of talk radio and Cable TV has created a constant pounding of news, politics, and nastiness never before seen on a daily basis. And it is there in front of the public N O W!
Sessions of Congress are all televised. I remember seeing a Congressional hearing after the Republicans took over party chairmanships after they became the majority in the house. The new Republican chairman was basically just rude and boorish in his treatment of Democratic members. Why do I still remember that! It certainly made a very deep impression on me. Perhaps in the days prior to "full" disclosure of "everything" people in these powerful positions had some degree of privacy to think about how they would present themselves publically. Now, they are always in the public, and all the warts show. And the drums are always being pounded. And I am of the opinion that I will never vote for another Republican no matter what! So I am now a part of it!
The public is always being pounded. By both the far left and the far right! It seems the far right is better at it and as a result has the bigger drum which tends to win the noise contest. And I have come to the conclusion that there are to many people out there whose opinion can be formed by whoever has the biggest drum and pounds it the longest and the loudest and makes it sound good no matter whether the message is reality or not.
So the far right politically is in your face--a force to reckoned with--and opposed by those on the left who view it as a danger to society.
So "you are either with us or agin' us."
When George Bush came to office, almost everthing that Clinton had for policy initiatives were considered "dead" in the water. Most notably peace processes in the middle east, which were basically ignored until the middle east once again blew up with the same old see-saw that had been going on for 50 years--a "terrorist" act by the Palistinieans, usually a suicide bomber, and a counterattack by the Israeli Army. After three years of the Bush administration, the Israeli situation is the same see-saw going up and down as it has for 50 years.
Remember that a just a couple of Presidents ago, foriegn policy initiatives which were good for the country and the world carried through multiple administrations until they bore fruit. But, it seems, not any more--when you are either "for us or agin'us".
Black and white is a very limited color selection!
Wouldn't it be great to put Michael and Rush together alone on a deserted island with the objective of solving all the great problems of the world--and not letting them off until they have reached a consensus on each of them as to a course of action. That would be the ulitimate reality show. We could call it "Ultimate Survivor".
One of my favorite quotes is from HDT in Waldon--"Niceness is the only investment that never fails". That is the investment we all need to make in one another to meet in the middle again.
Monday, May 17, 2004
What's new--Philosophically speaking!
Nothin! It took me about 50 years--and that was about 12 years ago--to figure out that there is nothin that is new. Oh yeh, there is stuff like the internet, and other "material" that you might consider "new", like cars and other things that we as humans discover or somehow manage to fashion out of "old" stuff that has been laying around as part of the universe for eons. But there is nothing new, only stuff that is new to us personally, or to someone else who points it out to us. I think our parents told us that when they were older, but we were skeptical.
Humans in general think to much of themselves. At one time humans of culture and great wisdom thought the Sun revolved around the Earth--the Earth had to be the center of the universe, since humans were obviously the beings directly decended from and favored by the Gods. While we all obviously know that the Universe has proven to be a bit larger than once thought, that knowledge still hasn't had the humbling impact one might have thought, since most of humankind still thinks that they are directly decended from one God or another, who is overlooking them and will somehow provide them with a safe afterlife somewhere in the spiritual part of the universe. All wonder where that might be but have strong beliefs about it that they seem to want to impose on others who think differently. (No one, I think, expects their God to provide them with a safe life on Earth anymore, although most pray for it!)
One might think if that is so, all of humankind would be more alike and in harmony with one thought in that regard. But we are not much advanced from when we thought the stars circled round the Earth. Most of the strife over the ages of mankind was over differences in what was thought by one group compared to another, what was had by one group and not another, thinking that somehow one group would "win" and have advantage forever. If humankind was the center of the Universe, perhaps that would be so, but a lifetime or generation of humankind is not forever and is but a tic in the time line of the universe. So seeking advantage over others seems to be only a pursuit of temporary pleasure through domination.
The reality seems to be that humankind is about the same as any other "kind" populating the planet. Procreation is the primary biological determinant of most of human behavior, just as it is with any other animal. Human males are dominant, territorial, and possessive of power in their relations with others. Violence is usually the ultimate behavior in imposing power and possessiveness upon others. It always has been so, and it appears that to this day there is no difference in that behavior from the time of the origins of life. The methods used are just more advanced!
What humans have always done to themselves and to each other seems to be the normal way of all life on this Planet from the existance of the first active cell. Sounds pretty stupid and self destructive, doesn't it?
As I read the paper, and watch the news every day, there it is, still going on and on and on....the same old stuff! It's nothin new!
Humans in general think to much of themselves. At one time humans of culture and great wisdom thought the Sun revolved around the Earth--the Earth had to be the center of the universe, since humans were obviously the beings directly decended from and favored by the Gods. While we all obviously know that the Universe has proven to be a bit larger than once thought, that knowledge still hasn't had the humbling impact one might have thought, since most of humankind still thinks that they are directly decended from one God or another, who is overlooking them and will somehow provide them with a safe afterlife somewhere in the spiritual part of the universe. All wonder where that might be but have strong beliefs about it that they seem to want to impose on others who think differently. (No one, I think, expects their God to provide them with a safe life on Earth anymore, although most pray for it!)
One might think if that is so, all of humankind would be more alike and in harmony with one thought in that regard. But we are not much advanced from when we thought the stars circled round the Earth. Most of the strife over the ages of mankind was over differences in what was thought by one group compared to another, what was had by one group and not another, thinking that somehow one group would "win" and have advantage forever. If humankind was the center of the Universe, perhaps that would be so, but a lifetime or generation of humankind is not forever and is but a tic in the time line of the universe. So seeking advantage over others seems to be only a pursuit of temporary pleasure through domination.
The reality seems to be that humankind is about the same as any other "kind" populating the planet. Procreation is the primary biological determinant of most of human behavior, just as it is with any other animal. Human males are dominant, territorial, and possessive of power in their relations with others. Violence is usually the ultimate behavior in imposing power and possessiveness upon others. It always has been so, and it appears that to this day there is no difference in that behavior from the time of the origins of life. The methods used are just more advanced!
What humans have always done to themselves and to each other seems to be the normal way of all life on this Planet from the existance of the first active cell. Sounds pretty stupid and self destructive, doesn't it?
As I read the paper, and watch the news every day, there it is, still going on and on and on....the same old stuff! It's nothin new!
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Weekend update
A fairly busy weekend. Garage sales were not too exciting this Sat morn--one nice new Golf cap and a new Fishing cap--ea $.50. Bought my beautiful wife a CD of the original broadway cast recording of Showboat for $1--,and that was about it. Lots of great stuff at garage sales every week--but why move it from someone else's garage to yours if you don't really need it. There are lots of people who buy a truckload of stuff every Sat and then go to a Swap Meet on Sunday and resell it for profit--seems to be a poor way to spend a weekend if you ask me--but for some it is an addition to income.
Went for a 20 miler on the bike on Friday--and 10 more on Sunday Morn. Every ten miles is about 500 Calories pumped off--so 50 miles a week should be about a pound--just think, in a year I will lose 52 lbs-I think I shall stop at about 20--cause then I will be buff! (for an old guy anyway!}
Spent a bit over an hour on the beach late Sat--with a fishing pole--found some sand crabs for bait--caught a couple of small perch--no corbina--caught a wave that tipped me over--got very wet up to my shoulders--water is pretty warm--in the mid 60's--
Yes, I did do some work this weekend- Did an open house on Sunday and met a couple of potential clients--
Just another weekend in Encinitas!
Went for a 20 miler on the bike on Friday--and 10 more on Sunday Morn. Every ten miles is about 500 Calories pumped off--so 50 miles a week should be about a pound--just think, in a year I will lose 52 lbs-I think I shall stop at about 20--cause then I will be buff! (for an old guy anyway!}
Spent a bit over an hour on the beach late Sat--with a fishing pole--found some sand crabs for bait--caught a couple of small perch--no corbina--caught a wave that tipped me over--got very wet up to my shoulders--water is pretty warm--in the mid 60's--
Yes, I did do some work this weekend- Did an open house on Sunday and met a couple of potential clients--
Just another weekend in Encinitas!
Friday, May 14, 2004
Ashcroft's terrorist watch--a rant
There was an article today on the op ed page of that noted left wing radical newspaper, The LA Times, by Bill Mckibben, a noted environmentalist, noting how deep the threat of terrorism has embedded itself in our society. Thank heaven we have such an alert gaurdian at work as our illustrious Attorney General, who must have been reincarnated from our last King George's court back in the 16th or 17th century. That would explain so much.
Mr. McKibben pointed out that our 17th century oriented federal cops had resurrected a law passed in 1872 and last used in 1890, which was meant to restrict the activity of "sailor-mongering" by boardinghouse proprietors, i.e., attempting to board or otherwise bother ships prior to them entering port with booze and broad's come-ons to their crews.
As it happened in 2002, two Greenpeace protesters attempted to board a ship filled with illegal lumber from Brazil and hang a protest banner stating "President Bush, Stop illegal logging". Which of course it was. The feds did nothing to stop it from being unloaded in a U.S. Port. Must of had connections somewhere? Either that , or someone was ticked because there was no booze or broads!
The protesters were arrested and spent a couple days in jail, got a small fine and went on their way, which happens all the time. Mr. Mckibben noted that a year later Ashcroft's finest decided to indict Greenpeace under this law with the potential goal of assessing a fine and potential probation, which would presumably restrict the organization's ability to carry on any organized civil disobediance in the future under severe penalty of jailing of officers and seizing of assets.
I wonder what other obscure law is out there just waiting to be twisted and used in the pursuit of "protection" of our great country?
I have no doubt that at this very moment, there is a secret task force hard at work in the bowels of the U.S. Jerkstice Dept trying to figure out how to shut down blog.com and all the radical left wing terrorists pounding out devisive and dangerous drivil supporting Greenpeace on their keyboards on a daily basis. I admit we sent our Greenpeace membership contribution in last year--just in case our name didn't get on the membership list the Feds no doubt have acquired through some secret, terrorist protection clause buried somewhere in the latest edition of the "Patriot" act. Wouldn't want to miss out on my 15 minutes to life opportunity to be interregated by the real pros regarding my geographical link to the terrorists that came out of the San Diego area. ( Oops! Dear Feds, I better explain! Geographically, I only live about 6 or 7 miles north of the city limits of San Diego, and that is my only link.)
Mr. McKibben pointed out that our 17th century oriented federal cops had resurrected a law passed in 1872 and last used in 1890, which was meant to restrict the activity of "sailor-mongering" by boardinghouse proprietors, i.e., attempting to board or otherwise bother ships prior to them entering port with booze and broad's come-ons to their crews.
As it happened in 2002, two Greenpeace protesters attempted to board a ship filled with illegal lumber from Brazil and hang a protest banner stating "President Bush, Stop illegal logging". Which of course it was. The feds did nothing to stop it from being unloaded in a U.S. Port. Must of had connections somewhere? Either that , or someone was ticked because there was no booze or broads!
The protesters were arrested and spent a couple days in jail, got a small fine and went on their way, which happens all the time. Mr. Mckibben noted that a year later Ashcroft's finest decided to indict Greenpeace under this law with the potential goal of assessing a fine and potential probation, which would presumably restrict the organization's ability to carry on any organized civil disobediance in the future under severe penalty of jailing of officers and seizing of assets.
I wonder what other obscure law is out there just waiting to be twisted and used in the pursuit of "protection" of our great country?
I have no doubt that at this very moment, there is a secret task force hard at work in the bowels of the U.S. Jerkstice Dept trying to figure out how to shut down blog.com and all the radical left wing terrorists pounding out devisive and dangerous drivil supporting Greenpeace on their keyboards on a daily basis. I admit we sent our Greenpeace membership contribution in last year--just in case our name didn't get on the membership list the Feds no doubt have acquired through some secret, terrorist protection clause buried somewhere in the latest edition of the "Patriot" act. Wouldn't want to miss out on my 15 minutes to life opportunity to be interregated by the real pros regarding my geographical link to the terrorists that came out of the San Diego area. ( Oops! Dear Feds, I better explain! Geographically, I only live about 6 or 7 miles north of the city limits of San Diego, and that is my only link.)
Friday in Encinitas
It is another beautiful day in Encinitas. For most people with real jobs its TGIF. For a Realtor it's open houses on Sat and Sun, and Friday can be kind of a goof off day. Goofing off includes taking the time to make an entry to this blog site--taking at least a 10 mile bike ride up old Hwy 101 along the coast, and checking out the beach for the current surf conditions for a few hours of fishing sometime in the next couple of days. As of a couple of days ago there was choppy surf due to wind which tore loose to much Kelp, which came ashore and messed up the surf for fishing purposes--one would spend all one's time fighting the kelp on every cast--instead of being able to work the surf for those elusive corbina. Plus when I walked the beach a couple day's ago I didn't see any sand crabs, which are really the best bait. But I know they are there somewhere--so maybe they will turn up this weekend. Can always use plastic grubs in the event they don't!.
Saturday morn I am usually up early and hit some garage sales with my wife or a couple other friends--it is amazing what's out there for sale--sooner or later literally everything there is can be found at a garage sale. A few weeks ago, I found a very nice Cannondale road bike which was a steal at $25. In fact, It is going the 10 miles today, and another 20 over the weekend!
The most interesting thing in the news today is the election in India. The current government called an early election since they thought things were going so well, then was defeated unexpectedly. The Congress party lead by the daughter-in-law of Indira Ghandi and wife of the prime minister who was assassinated in 1991, won a clear majority. She would be the first foreign born Prime Minister (Italian) in India's history. Two other interesting items: 390 million voters voted on electronic voting machines. The the reason the congress party won was thought to be that those who were in lower economic classes felt that the ruling party was not providing a government environment where they were sharing in the growing economy, and they were not trustful of the current government's attitude towards the tradition of secularism in India's government.
India is the largest democracy in the world--and while perhaps not as old or "advanced" as the good ole U.S., the unexpected results of that election seem to indicate a fairly sophisticated electorate. Not only that, the winning party conducted a grass roots, positive campaign! Perhap India should send over some "observers" to watch over our coming elections!
Saturday morn I am usually up early and hit some garage sales with my wife or a couple other friends--it is amazing what's out there for sale--sooner or later literally everything there is can be found at a garage sale. A few weeks ago, I found a very nice Cannondale road bike which was a steal at $25. In fact, It is going the 10 miles today, and another 20 over the weekend!
The most interesting thing in the news today is the election in India. The current government called an early election since they thought things were going so well, then was defeated unexpectedly. The Congress party lead by the daughter-in-law of Indira Ghandi and wife of the prime minister who was assassinated in 1991, won a clear majority. She would be the first foreign born Prime Minister (Italian) in India's history. Two other interesting items: 390 million voters voted on electronic voting machines. The the reason the congress party won was thought to be that those who were in lower economic classes felt that the ruling party was not providing a government environment where they were sharing in the growing economy, and they were not trustful of the current government's attitude towards the tradition of secularism in India's government.
India is the largest democracy in the world--and while perhaps not as old or "advanced" as the good ole U.S., the unexpected results of that election seem to indicate a fairly sophisticated electorate. Not only that, the winning party conducted a grass roots, positive campaign! Perhap India should send over some "observers" to watch over our coming elections!
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Blogging--a poem
It's my second day of blogging,
sending thoughts out into space,
wondering if the words are slogging,
into someone else's place.
Today I told a friendly user,
my spot within the blog,
in hopes he was a web peruser,
and in my blog would log.
For nothing's worse than loneliness,
talking to one's self,
instead of sharing thoughtfulness,
and intellectual wealth.
Mark W.
sending thoughts out into space,
wondering if the words are slogging,
into someone else's place.
Today I told a friendly user,
my spot within the blog,
in hopes he was a web peruser,
and in my blog would log.
For nothing's worse than loneliness,
talking to one's self,
instead of sharing thoughtfulness,
and intellectual wealth.
Mark W.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Moonlight Beach
Well, I picked Moonlight Mark as my user name because Moonlight beach is just four blocks down the hill. A nice beach to surf fish and to walk. The water is starting to warm a bit and the fishing is starting to pick up--mostly surf perch, but an occasional corbina, or croaker, or an outside chance for a halibut. It is a great way to spend an hour in the late afternoon after work.
Encinitas is a great surfin' town so I am always fighting for fishing space with surfers when the surf's "up". We have some famous surf breaks including Swami's, Pipes, Cardiff Reef, and Beacon's. In fact I think there is someone who has a web cam on their roof at Beacon's which shows the condition of the surf 24/7--or at least during daylight. I don't recall the site but try California and Encinitas and Luecadia and Beacon's and surf as key words and see what you can come up with as to a site. I think the site's master is a surfer and is named after his daughter.
Not a bad place to be!!
Encinitas is a great surfin' town so I am always fighting for fishing space with surfers when the surf's "up". We have some famous surf breaks including Swami's, Pipes, Cardiff Reef, and Beacon's. In fact I think there is someone who has a web cam on their roof at Beacon's which shows the condition of the surf 24/7--or at least during daylight. I don't recall the site but try California and Encinitas and Luecadia and Beacon's and surf as key words and see what you can come up with as to a site. I think the site's master is a surfer and is named after his daughter.
Not a bad place to be!!
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